Negativity, Forgiveness, and Resisting Evil by Nicholas Hutchinson

God our Father,
may no-one’s negative actions ever overpower my determination to choose to live in a positive way.

I know that to forgive someone
can be far from being an easy option, and I know that forgiveness isn’t somehow pretending that something wrong hasn’t happened.

Instead it is being generous, Father
– as your Son showed in his dying words – in being willing to release the other person from what natural justice demands should be ‘punishment’ for wrong-doing.

Isn’t this, Father, what is meant by “your mercy” and what we are to do in being called to “be merciful” ourselves?

For what I have done wrong, Father,
forgive me to the extent that I am generous and gracious in forgiving – or truly hoping to forgive – those who have done wrong to me.

Empower me to break the cycle of any hatred, resentment or bitterness, always resisting evil and conquering it with goodness.

Bring your healing and peace and wholeness into the lives of those I pray for, and into mine. Amen