Photo by Kasturi Roy
If you had to paint a picture of yourself, what would it look like? Would you be smiling or frowning? Would you be deep in thought or blissfully taking in the landscape?
The picture we ‘paint’ of ourselves to the outside world is the reflection of our heart at a particular point in time. We live in a symbiotic system, one governed by cause and effect. What we put in, is what we get out. Unless you are the sole occupant in a castaway island, we all have direct or indirect connections with people. Considering the diversity of people in our world, conflict is inevitable because we do not live in a bubble. Offence is either given or received.
We carry our day on our faces; we all paint pictures of the state of our heart. Even a baby will show you how he feels; no words are needed! However, some people are skilled at masking their true feeling. We know wearing a mask is hiding behind a screen and that is not a good thing.
In the Lord’s Prayer, there is an important conditional clause on forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15(NASB) says, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Here is the full prayer.
Did you see the faces of hikers descending from their mountain climb? Yes, they are tired, but they carry that satisfaction of their accomplishment. True, their bodies may be exhausted but their spirits and souls have been rejuvenated.
When we look up to God in prayer and offload all the negativity crowding and often choking our souls, we get a release. When we forgive others, not only are we releasing them, but we are releasing ourselves of pain, hurt and grievances that cast a dark cloud over our soul. When we take our burdens to the Lord in prayer (applying the conditional clause), He wipes away everything and replaces it with that peaceful assurance. As we depart from His presence, our illuminated faces reflect the condition of our heart.
So, what does your picture look like? Go look in the mirror! ◊
Linda Pearl
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