Lora Dow: Wednesday, March 4

Week 3: Matthew 5:43-48

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

A Reflection on Forgiveness from Lora Dow

Often when we think of forgiveness, we think of the big hurts of betrayal, insult or abandonment. We think of the spouse or sibling or friend who has hurt us and with whom we are divided. When Jesus talks of “loving your enemies,” he’s also talking about a broader sort of forgiveness. He is calling us to see the whole of humankind as our family and to heal the hurts that divide our world.

“Pray for people who persecute you” is a call to pray for the Other, the one who doesn’t look or sound or worship like we do. Jesus challenges us to be open and loving with those with whom we disagree, or whose perspectives conflict with ours.

“[He] sends rain on the just and on the unjust,” reminds us that His love and forgiveness is available to all. It’s easy to let injustice harden our hearts and blind us to the suffering of others. However, as a congregation and as followers of Christ, we are called to reach out, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

Understanding forgiveness in these terms acknowledges that we are all broken, but that redemption is possible when we dare to love as God loves us. 

Heavenly Father, help us to follow your loving example; to be courageous and to forgive first; to fight injustice without allowing it to harden our spirits against our neighbors. Let your perfect love teach us how to love others with a generous and open heart. Amen.