Saturday, March 21, 2015
A Reflection on Forgiveness from Thad Murrah
When I was asked to
write a devotion for Lent, I thought, “Great.
I’ll get a passage that is complex and full of hidden meaning.” Then I saw the passage and realized it was
the parable of the unforgiving servant.
I read it, and then I thought, “Really?
That’s it? Where’s the
mystique? Where is the hidden message I
can reveal to the congregation? This is
obvious stuff: You have been forgiven by
God; therefore, it is right that you should forgive others. This is plain, old, Kindness 101 stuff. What additional thought can I add to a message
that is so plainly straightforward?”
But then I realized
that if this is so obvious, then why do I not practice it every day in my own
life? Why does something so apparent
seem to be something I easily forget? Why can’t I remember the immeasurable forgiveness
God has given me and simply forgive others for their relatively minor
infractions toward me? God has done so much for me. I’ve sinned countless
times, and Jesus still died for me. He took the consequences for my sin upon
himself, and now my countless sins are forgiven. Because Jesus did this for me,
the least I can do is to forgive others.
Lord,
I ask that you give me the strength to forgive. I ask that you place on my
heart a constant reminder of your immense grace. Please remind me of the severity of my sin
against you and the forgiveness you have granted me. Today, I call on the powers of forgiveness to
others, the hope that heals and wipes away resentment. I am ready to forgive
and heal old wounds. Amen.
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