Voices of Faith q & a

Voices of Faith q & a

The Kansas City Star (TNS)

Q. How can I use my faith to learn how to forgive?

The Rev. Bob Hill, pastor emeritus, Community Christian Church:

A. All who ask this question and earnestly seek answers to it are already on the way to life-saving learnings about forgiveness and wholeness.

Becoming better acquainted with your faith’s scriptures, prayers and rituals will result in exciting insights and a powerful impact on your life.

Reading scripture can remind you of forebears who have been where you are now. A regular, disciplined recitation of prayers can provide peace and confidence to do the challenging work of forgiveness. Participating in forgiveness rituals (annually or weekly) can shape your life with hope and grace.

Of course, faith is always lived out best in community. If you have a faith home, seek the guidance of your leaders. If you don’t currently have a faith community, ask a friend who exemplifies a forgiving spirit about their place of worship and join them for a service or a study group.

As we probe sacred texts, special prayers, cherished rituals and the life of a faith community, one thing becomes clear: We are best fulfilled as human beings when we learn how to give and receive forgiveness.

The Rev. Duke Tufty, senior pastor, Unity Temple on the Plaza:

A. My understanding of faith is having absolute conviction in and commitment to something that cannot be sensed or proven in any way.

Hope is, “I want this to happen.” Faith is, “I know this will happen.” It is believing without reservation, hesitation or the slightest doubt that which hasn’t happened and there is no evidence to indicate it ever will, most definitely will happen.

It is important to keep in mind that thoughts of hatred and resentment are in you. They are like poison to the soul that you live with 24 hours a day, and they sicken you.

Forgive literally means to “give for.” When we forgive somebody for something, we give up negative thoughts toward the situation that weaken and sicken us for positive thoughts that allow us peace of mind and a sense of well being.

2016 The Kansas City Star