Finding Strength To Forgive – Robert Schaetzle

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10 RSV)

Surely reflecting the holiness of Jesus is a lifetime of growing and learning. 1 John 1:4 RSV tells us, “And we are writing this that your joy may be complete.” Complete joy entails complete forgiveness — God’s forgiveness toward us, and our forgiveness toward others. Surely, we’re all seeking the peace and joy that can only come from above; a peace that releases us from the weight of anxiety and an unforgiving heart.

Many years ago, I too learned to know forgiveness from Him who created me. How then could I not learn to forgive the insults and hardships received from others? Over fifty years ago I became a single father left to raise three little children. I had three choices to make. I could turn inward with self-pity, as if to say; ‘O woe is me!’; I could live by the example of the unstable world around me – with hate, contention, and life-long bitterness, or I could choose another way.

The decision I made was to fully seek the One who created me — He, who knew what was to come; He, who knew my heart of hurt and loneliness. I knew I had this responsibility. I didn’t want my children to carry anger, or un-forgiveness in their growing years before them. It was God’s word of hope found in Romans 8:24-25 RSV that gave me an understanding and a purpose that helped me find my way. It meant letting go of ‘self,’ to take hold the blessed assurance of forgiveness. ‘Thank You Father!’

Robert lives in Sunnyvale, CA serving in a Sharing and Caring Ministry. Contact