A BETTER YESTERDAY

“Forgiveness is giving up hope of a better yesterday.”

The source of this quote as best I could find is Don Felt, pastor of the Iao Congregational Church, Maui, HI. He explained to those attending an interfaith memorial service on Nagasaki Day, Aug. 9, 1991, “Forgiveness is giving up all hope of a better past.”

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has used this wisdom for years. They simply tell those who attend AA Meetings that there is nothing they can do about what happened yesterday, mistakes, and regrets they are all down the river of experience. They can only change what happens to their future by making better decisions today.

This is deep theological wisdom as well because the repentant sinner can be sorry for sins, but can do nothing to change what happened yesterday…except to be sorry about it. Forgiveness of sin is a fresh start to a new life.

And I might add: Unforgiveness is giving up hope of a better tomorrow.

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Jesus