Monday, March 30, 2015
A Forgiveness Reflection from Patricia Engelhardt
Forgiveness - to
forgive is to excuse for a fault or offense; pardon, to renounce anger or
resentment. Grant pardon without harboring resentment.
The act of
forgiveness is sadly lacking in our world today. Thus we have multiple wars,
family feuds, domestic violence, shootings, road rage, lost friends, terrorist
attacks, etc. Unfortunately, we have a world filled with much more anger and
less love and understanding.
Luke 7:36-47 is
the story about a woman known for her sinful ways who enters the home of a
Pharisee uninvited. She comes to wash the feet of the Pharisee's guest. This
guest is Jesus. The Pharisee feels superior to the woman and is appalled that
she approaches this special prophet.
Jesus does not
dwell on the woman's sins but rather the humility and love she bestows upon
Him. Her sins are forgiven. He emphasizes that all sins great and small are
forgiven.
This Bible
passage teaches us two important Christian lessons. First, we are not to judge
others. God will be the final judge. We never know the journey a person has had
which greatly influences the person they become. Some of us were were born into
a home where God was at the center, while others were born into a family that
did not know God. Therefore, it is so important for those of us who know God to
be a light in this world spreading His good news.
The second lesson
this passage teaches is to forgive others. No matter how great the sin, how bad
the hurt, God forgives and invites us to forgive and move on. Selfishly, I have
found that life is so much more joyful if you let go of anger. A heart filled
with anger is hard to fill with love.
Lord, you sent
your Son out of love and forgiveness. Help us to follow your example and spread
this marvelous message to others. Amen.
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