I recently listened to a sermon on reconciliation. It was a great sermon which included six steps intended to help you get past an offense you are still holding in your mind. It doesn’t seem to matter to your psyche who was at fault, though you’re pretty sure it wasn’t you. It turns out though that time does not actually heal those old wounds. Every time you revisit the incident, it stings you all over again. Why? Mostly because you still want someone to know you were truly hurt. The more you blow up those old wounds, embellish them, and add salt to them, they become even worse. You may have long ago forgotten what actually caused the hurt, but you can still tell your version of the story to anyone who will listen. That story in your head is your crocodile.
The crocodile isn’t the person who hurt you. You’re wrestling with the crocodile you see in the mirror. You are holding tightly to the negative situation and keeping it close to your heart. You may imagine you have a right to that story and if you don’t keep repeating it, you may forget all about it, and well, you’re not ready to do that.
When you are ready, how can you reconcile with yourself, with your own cranky, inner crocodile?
Let’s start by doing a little heart to heart with God. Confess that it’s so hard for you to forgive that offense, or the person who hurt you. Ask for His help so you can find His peace. Tell yourself it’s time, and you’re ready to let go of anything that gets in the way of real peace and forgiveness.
The first step after prayer is to stop feeding the crocodile. Stop holding the offense up as though it is a trophy. Stop polishing your story. Stop letting it intrude on your thoughts.
Drop the croc and put the offense at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Remember all that God has done for you. Remember how many times He’s forgiven you when you offended Him, or others. It may take some time, and you may have to practice getting rid of the croc more than once. But when you truly are willing and able to let go, forgive the situation and send the crocodile back to the swamp, an incredible weight will be lifted from your shoulders. Afterall, a crocodile is heavy!
Finally, replace that old story with a new one. Share a story that uplifts your spirits and reminds you of life’s good things. Talk about those things that inspire the hearts of those around you. Maybe you’ll even help them send their own crocodile stories back to the swamp where they belong. We all need a little forgiveness sometimes.
You know that ancient adversary won’t like it if you send your old cranky crocodiles back to the swamps, but your Heavenly Father will be well-pleased.
Give God thanks and live in peace.
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