![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wpclipart.com\/plants\/flowers\/_O\/olive_branch_silhouette.jpg\" "\\"Olive")
The olive branch has meant peace as far back as ancient Rome and Greece times. Because of its earliest uses, today we commonly think of extending the olive branch as a way of calling a truce between two warring parties. <\/p>\nI recently had an occasion to forgive and forget. It\u2019s always tougher than it sounds. It got me thinking about an age-old symbol for peace and what it can teach us about loving our neighbor as ourselves.<\/p>\n
The olive branch has meant peace as far back as ancient Rome and Greece times. Because of its earliest uses, today we commonly think of extending the olive branch as a way of calling a truce between two warring parties. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever seen an olive branch, it\u2019s not very strong. It\u2019s actually quite delicate. It\u2019s light enough to be carried by a dove as it\u2019s often depicted in the Bible. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s interesting that something so fragile carries the weight of humanity\u2019s most powerful gift: forgiveness.<\/p>\n
To forgive someone is an essential element of peace. How can you be at peace with someone against whom you hold a grudge? Forgiveness is also part of the golden rule. We all long to be forgiven when we\u2019ve messed up. We all want a fresh start. It only makes sense to give the thing we want the most away to other people. <\/p>\n
So, the next time you can forgive someone (and trust me, there\u2019s always an opportunity), think about the olive branch. Imagine in it in your hand and see yourself giving it to the person. How do they respond? What you hope is that they accept it graciously and you two can form a brand new relationship not based on the past.<\/p>\n
Sometimes your olive branch will be ignored or worst yet rejected. You can\u2019t force it on any one. It\u2019s not a symbol of peace if you throw it at the person. Just lay it down. When he or she is ready, they know where it is and they know where to find you. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t always have to wait until the person says he\u2019s sorry. I\u2019m a big fan of the do-over. I\u2019ll go to the person and ask, \u201cHey, we got off on the wrong foot back there. Can we start over?\u201d I can\u2019t say it always restores the relationship, but it\u2019s always worth a try.<\/p>\n
Who needs your forgiveness? Make peace today. The olive branch may seem weak, but when offered in sincerity, it holds incredible strength.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I recently had an occasion to forgive and forget. It\u2019s always tougher than it sounds. It got me thinking about an age-old symbol for peace and what it can teach us about loving our neighbor as ourselves. The olive branch has meant peace as far back as ancient Rome and Greece times. Because of its…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9,4,20,6,26],"tags":[150,151,152,153],"class_list":["post-1591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-happier-you","category-inspiring-messages","category-something-to-think-about","category-thought-to-ponder","category-well-being","tag-forgive","tag-forgiveness","tag-olive-branch","tag-peace"],"yoast_head":"\n