Thursday, March 19, 2015
A Reflection on Forgiveness from Laura DeWitt
In reading this passage, my mind
immediately travels to two simple thoughts. We love because He first loved us.
And we are called to forgive because He first forgave us. Through this
scripture, God presents us with a very clear example of mercy. He immediately
follows this amazing gesture for that day and age with an equally clear example
of an unmerciful being. It becomes so easy to see just how ungrateful and
seemingly unaware we often are toward God's amazing grace. We welcome our
forgiveness in His eyes, but are quick to hold grudges and seek revenge against
others. We find peace in our gift of appearing blameless before God, but aren't
willing to show this same loving mercy and compassion toward others, even those
we claim to love and hold most dear.
While much of this story is no longer
directly applicable today, there is still much to be gained from the text.
Unconditional love demands unconditional forgiveness. That much persists
throughout time. Jesus Christ died for me on the cross. The least I can do is
live for him. Part of this involves forgiving others. No matter what.
The good news is, that God continues
to offer us opportunities daily, even moment by moment, to learn about and
practice forgiveness. He blesses us with forgiveness from those we hurt and
offend. He offers us opportunities to forgive those who hurt and offend us. I
don't think he expects us to get it all right all at once. Forgiveness is a
lifelong practice requiring constant realignment of head and heart. And if we
turn to God for guidance in prayer, the art of both asking for and bestowing
forgiveness on others will likely be a lot easier.
Thank
you, Lord, for your boundless forgiveness this day and always. Help me to
awaken each morning with an open heart and an open mind, ready to forgive
others as you have forgiven your children throughout the ages. Amen.
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