Forgiveness

We must remember as we approach Yom Kippur that in order to acheive atonement, we must ask all those who we have harmed for forgiveness. In order to truly repent, we must make a firm comittment to "be nice" to our neighbor - to be sensative to others' needs and situations, and act accordingly, in a way that will not necessitate a visit before the next Yom Kippur to ask for forgiveness. -from Torah.org.

There has been quite a conversation going on at the Kineti L'Tziyon blog post The Surprise Ending of the Frum Gentile Story. It's very difficult to keep an objective viewpoint when going over the report being given and particularly when reading the responses of a number of the post readers. One commenter has reminded everyone that with Yom Kippur not far away, we need to be thinking about our behavior and determining if we are acting to help or to harm others.

Even when you believe you're doing something right, it may be that in the process, you are behaving in a manner that not only damages your own reputation, but Hashem's. Even if you believe the other guy is in the wrong, trying to prove yourself right may not send the correct message...at least not the message that God would have us send, particularly at this time of year.

The "Messianic movement" is full of disagreements, debates, and occasionally even distrust. We all claim to worship the same God and the same Messiah, but look at how fragmented a single issue can make us appear. Read the comments on this blog and tell me we are all one flock with one shepherd.

I'm not trying to expand the problem and I'm not trying to take sides. Far from it, I'm trying to say that taking sides in this situation isn't going to do any good. First of all, there's no objective way to resolve the conflict and secondly, do most of us really need to be involved? Sure, if we had roles as peace makers, it would be one thing, but what if we're just commenting to, however unintentionally, fan the flames and pour more fuel on the fire?

As we approach the Day of Atonement, part of our responsibility to God and to other people is to try and make amends. As much as we are responsible, let us be at peace with others. Can we do this? Can we acknowledge that we are not always going to agree with every theological point, but still extend a friendly hand to the next person?

Let this be my hand being extended and to everyone I've offended including Judah, Derek, and others, I humble myself. Yom Kippur isn't a day when you try to be right. It's a day when you need to be right with God and reconciled with your fellow.

Let my soul be like dust to everyone.