If we confess our sins, he
is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Have you ever heard the term “extend the olive branch”? Just exactly what do we mean when we use that expression?
The expression “extend an olive branch” means an offer of
peace or reconciliation. It originates
from the bible in Genesis when Noah sent the dove from the ark and it came back
with an olive branch.
Olive branches symbolize peace. Olive trees take many years to mature and it
has been said that war is typically very hard on olives because people cannot
take the time to nurture them and plant new trees. Thus, an offer of an olive branch means that
person is tired of war, whether it is an actual war or just a disagreement
between friends.
In Ancient Greek and Roman history, people would offer actual
olive branches. Roman armies that had
been defeated would carry olive branches as a symbol they were
surrendering.
When I think of someone extending an olive branch it makes me
think of someone wanting to make peace – reconcile. Recently it has dawned on me what great significance
this really is for us, and a balm to a broken heart that is mourning a wrong
they have inflicted on another.
Brother Van has preached many sermons on forgiveness and most
of the focus was on us forgiving others, but sometimes we are the ones needing
forgiveness from someone. When we are in
an argument or we have wronged someone and we really want to make things right,
waiting for the olive branch to be extended to you can feel like an
eternity. Here are some things that
might be helpful during that time.
- Pray - First and foremost, pray for God’s healing and forgiveness toward you for what you have done and for His guidance in this situation. Pray for His hand to be on you, help you know what to say and give you some peace. Pray for the person you have wronged as well. Pray for their healing and peace in this situation. Pray for the walls to be torn down so complete healing can take place.
- Reach Out – You may want to reach out to the person you have wronged, ask forgiveness, and try to bridge the gap. Be aware that this person may not react as quickly as you want them to. You are hurting, knowing your part and wanting to make amends. They are hurting and may not be open to you enough at this point to allow that connection. ‘
- Wait – Keep praying and wait upon the Lord. It is so hard and it seems like time
just crawls by but all you can do is give it to Him and let him be in
control. You have done your part
and even though it makes you feel so bad and it hurts, you cannot control
whether or not another person will forgive you, let alone have a relationship
with you again.
I know that when I am at odds with someone it feels bad. I feel awful and I cannot concentrate and
focus on the things I need to do. Just
one little bit of positive communication can make me feel so much better. So remember if you are the one who needs to
forgive someone, just one little extension of an olive branch is so
important. It is like a drink of water
in a dry and thirsty desert. It is a
craving so strong and consuming. You
long for closure provided by forgiveness.
If you do not receive the forgiveness you desire, you may just have to
move on. Know that you have done what
you could and accept God’s forgiveness, and forgive yourself.
By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:19-20 ESV
