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Forgive and Forget - January 23, 2007
"Therefore, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:37-39
I lost a friend and the nation a revered leader when President Gerald Ford passed away the day after Christmas. Jerry Ford grew up in my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a star on the national championship University of Michigan football team, and was our U.S. Congressman for many years. So, of course, we were thrilled and proud when our friend and neighbor became President of the United States – and greatly saddened at his funeral service and burial in our city.
When he succeeded Richard Nixon in 1974, we also were gratified that our new president was a man of high moral character and a Christian. The news coverage following his death was a testament to him as a humble man of God who proclaimed his reliance on God’s leading during his presidency.
His integrity and Christianity were no more apparent than when he pardoned Richard Nixon. President Ford knew this pardon would likely jeopardize his 1976 presidential campaign, but he did what he felt was right. In a speech explaining the pardon to the nation, Mr. Ford said he could not expect God to show him justice and mercy if he was unable to show justice and mercy to others. He looked beyond politics and personal gain to forgive and forget in the interest of healing our nation.
The example of Gerald Ford has lessons for all of us as we begin another year. The fresh start of a new year is a great time to forgive and forget. As President Ford realized before most Americans, the future of the country mattered far greater than the fate of a former president. A positive future as we begin this year is more important to each of us than any grudge we might have against another person or any guilt we might have from past mistakes.
One sure way to ensure we stay miserable is to waste energy hating someone rather than forgiving and forgetting. Jesus asked us to forgive our enemies. We also need to forgive ourselves, just as God can forgive us for any sin.
I can picture President Ford in the oval office, desperate to heal our nation, eager to move our country forward, and reaching the conclusion that his only choice as a Christian and leader was to put the past behind us through a pardon and look ahead. We can make the same choice.
Forgive and forget. Pray for your enemies. Pray for your own forgiveness. Wipe the slate clean. Then you truly can enjoy a happy new year.
Rich DeVos is the former chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic.
"Therefore, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:37-39
I lost a friend and the nation a revered leader when President Gerald Ford passed away the day after Christmas. Jerry Ford grew up in my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a star on the national championship University of Michigan football team, and was our U.S. Congressman for many years. So, of course, we were thrilled and proud when our friend and neighbor became President of the United States – and greatly saddened at his funeral service and burial in our city.
When he succeeded Richard Nixon in 1974, we also were gratified that our new president was a man of high moral character and a Christian. The news coverage following his death was a testament to him as a humble man of God who proclaimed his reliance on God’s leading during his presidency.
His integrity and Christianity were no more apparent than when he pardoned Richard Nixon. President Ford knew this pardon would likely jeopardize his 1976 presidential campaign, but he did what he felt was right. In a speech explaining the pardon to the nation, Mr. Ford said he could not expect God to show him justice and mercy if he was unable to show justice and mercy to others. He looked beyond politics and personal gain to forgive and forget in the interest of healing our nation.
The example of Gerald Ford has lessons for all of us as we begin another year. The fresh start of a new year is a great time to forgive and forget. As President Ford realized before most Americans, the future of the country mattered far greater than the fate of a former president. A positive future as we begin this year is more important to each of us than any grudge we might have against another person or any guilt we might have from past mistakes.
One sure way to ensure we stay miserable is to waste energy hating someone rather than forgiving and forgetting. Jesus asked us to forgive our enemies. We also need to forgive ourselves, just as God can forgive us for any sin.
I can picture President Ford in the oval office, desperate to heal our nation, eager to move our country forward, and reaching the conclusion that his only choice as a Christian and leader was to put the past behind us through a pardon and look ahead. We can make the same choice.
Forgive and forget. Pray for your enemies. Pray for your own forgiveness. Wipe the slate clean. Then you truly can enjoy a happy new year.
Rich DeVos is the former chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic.
