Forgiveness Flour

The Christmas season is a perfect time to reflect on our Savior's love for us. One of the greatest gifts He has given us is forgiveness. Whether we are on the giving or receiving end of forgiveness, we are blessed with peace and understanding when we apply the atonement in our lives.

We're all familiar with the popular saying, "To err is human; to forgive, divine." Too often we fall far short of divinity when we shamefully hold grudges, harbor resentment, foster hate and refuse to show or receive kindness.

My aunt made me aware of a wonderful story that expresses this concept so well:

FORGIVENESS FLOUR

Marguerite Stewart

When I went to the door, at the whisper of knocking,
I saw Simeon Gantner's daughter, Kathleen, standing
There, in her shawl and her shame, sent to ask
"Forgiveness Flour" for her bread. "Forgiveness Flour,"
We call it in our corner. If one has erred, one
Is sent to ask for flour of his neighbors. If they loan it
To him, that means he can stay, but if they refuse, he had
Best take himself off. I looked at Kathleen . . .
What a jewel of a daughter, though not much like her
Father, more's the pity. "I'll give you flour," I
Said, and went to measure it. Measuring was the rub.
If I gave too much, neighbors would think I made sin
Easy, but if I gave too little, they would label me
"Close." While I stood measuring, Joel, my husband
Came in from the mill, a great bag of flour on his
Shoulder, and seeing her there, shrinking in the
Doorway, he tossed the bag at her feet. "Here, take
All of it." And so she had flour for many loaves,
While I stood measuring.

Madison U. Sowell, in an October 1996 BYU devotional, commented—


The phrase "While I stood measuring" characterizes too many of us too much of the time. We metaphorically "measure flour" in an attempt not to be overgenerous in our mercy. At the same time we pray that God will throw a bag of flour at our feet--that is, that he will be boundless in his mercy toward us.

This Christmas season and always, let us be merciful and forgiving toward others that God may be merciful and forgiving toward us.