Ever feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders?  You'll be glad to know that sub-seafloor prokaryotes share your pain this morning.

Today's New York Times introduces us to these neighbors living beneath our feet.  A group of researchers have found such cells thriving 5,335 feet below the ocean floor off Newfoundland.  Temperatures that close to the earth's core range from 140 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, even worse than Dallas in August.  (But I'll bet we have more humidity.)  The cells are called "extremophiles,' as they can withstand the harshest conditions on earth.  Sound familiar?

We've been seeking the happiness Jesus promises through his famous "beatitudes."  Today we'll finish our study of his fifth declaration, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7).  We've learned that mercy is forgiveness, choosing to pardon those who have hurt us.  What steps lead to such healing and hope?

As we saw last week, we must first admit the reality of our hurt, asking God to give us his forgiveness and grace.  Then we initiate restoration, doing all we can to heal the relationship which has been damaged.  We seek an honest way forward, learning to be neither naïve nor callous as we find a new way to relate to this person.

Finally, we must be realistic.  We humans forgive slowly, a little at a time, usually with anger left over.  So take this one day at a time.  Each time your anger or bitterness returns, remind yourself that you have chosen to pardon this person and pain.  Over time, your hurt will return less frequently.  One day, perhaps, not at all.

To forgive, you must first be forgiven.  You cannot give what you have never received.  Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins, to pardon your failures, to be your Savior and Lord?  He's waiting to do just that for you, right now.  And to help you give his forgiveness to the person most in need of this gift from you.

Take a little quiz with me.  Name the wealthiest person in the world.  Name the last Heisman trophy winner, or last winner of the Miss America pageant, or last recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Now name the last person who forgave you.  Remember the way such forgiveness changed your life.  Is anyone remembering you right now?  Will they tomorrow?

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