Burlap

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

—Lewis B. Smedes

Burlap is a very strong, coarsely-woven fabric made from jute, flax or hemp. Burlap is considered very lightweight; however, when sewn to form a sack, it can hold one hundred pounds (or more) of beans, rice, grains, etc. Many agricultural commodities are sold in burlap sacks. Although durable, burlap is easily cut open with a sharp object. Once pierced, its contents quickly spill onto the ground.

We all carry an imaginary burlap sack on our back. When we choose to not forgive another, for example, our burlap sack fills with malice, unkindness, hate, jealousy, etc. The more the burlap sack fills with resentment, the heavier it gets and the more of a burden it becomes.

Have you ever known someone who has chosen to not forgive another? If you say anything positive about the other party, he will usually return negative comments. This is because he has not emptied his burlap sack and continues to carry the unnecessary weight wherever he goes. He doesn’t realize that he is limited by the heavy weight. Many times it not only causes a burden for the non-forgiver, but also the unforgiven.

Time is a healer, and with a reasonable amount of time, everyone should be able to empty his burlap sack. To empty your burlap sack not only eases your own burden, but others’ as well.

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