Rob Wedel - March 24

Week 5 - Matthew 18:23-35
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
A Reflection on Forgiveness from Rob Wedel

In this story, the king forgave his servant the equivalent of 20 years wages, yet that same servant had a fellow servant jailed for not being able to pay the equivalent of one day’s earnings.  The king, upon learning of the harsh treatment by the first servant, had the servant arrested until he too paid back what was owed. 

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools that we have in our toolkit, but often it is one of the most difficult to use.  Why?  It is the struggle between being in the right, in terms of fairness and equity; and, doing what is right, in terms of grace and mercy.  The easier path is often the path marked with revenge, getting even - doing what is fair.  Being fair or “in the right” is a comfortable position, but God challenges us to leave our comfort zone and do more.  It is very difficult to act from the heart, with grace and mercy, without consideration for equity or fairness, especially if doing what is right comes at a financial or personal cost.  Doing what is right is exactly what God expects us to do. 

God, by sending his only Son to die on the cross, has forgiven our debt – the sins of omissions and commissions that we accrue on a daily basis.  By God’s grace, we are saved and able to experience the Kingdom of God.  We cannot repay God for this selfless act of grace and forgiveness.  To whom much is given, much is expected and we are called upon to do what we can to live in a selfless manner and forgive others, just as we have been forgiven.  It comes down to treating others, not only as we ourselves would like to be treated, but treating others as we have been treated.

Thank you, God, for sending your Son to pay my earthly debts, allowing me to be part of your kingdom. Please give me the strength to look beyond what is fair, do what is right, and forgive others as you have done for me though your never-ending grace and mercy.  Amen.

Darla Hium - March 23

Week 5 - Matthew 18:23-35
Monday, March 23, 2015
A Reflection on Forgiveness from Darla Hium

I was raised in a small farming community in central Wisconsin that was predominantly Catholic and Lutheran. But, we also had one Jewish family, an African American teacher, a gay teacher and a gay principal. This was in the late 60’s and early 70’s, and you can only imagine the names, slights and rumors that all of these people endured in this community of white, European immigrants. I often think about how lonely it must have been for them. The nearest synagogue was sixty miles away in Eau Claire, the nearest substantial black community four hours away in Milwaukee, and I am not even sure where the nearest gay community for middle-aged men was. All of them could have internalized the insults and slurs and become angry.

But each of them had the grace to share his “differentness” with all who were willing to learn from them. My Luther League decided that we wanted to experience our Jewish roots, and I celebrated my first Pesach Seder when I was fourteen. I saw the world of white privilege through the eyes of my black teacher. I may not have learned a lot about physics, but I learned valuable lessons about my life and the lives of blacks, just 100 years removed from the Civil War. I was taught Bible lessons (and a little science) by my gay teacher, and my gay principal instilled wisdom, discipline and a love for learning. By the time I graduated, I learned not to look at their religion, race or sexual preference, but rather to see them as individuals with incredible gifts.

I am grateful that all of these people handled the obstacles of living in rural Wisconsin with grace. They forgave the ignorance they faced and, by their actions, helped me become a more loving Christian.

Dear Lord, help me put my own prejudices aside and experience the gifts every individual can share. Forgive me when I fail to remember that everyone is your creation and worthy of my love. Guide me with compassion and understanding that I might become a living example of your grace. Amen.

Thad Murrah - Saturday, March 21

Week 5 - Matthew 18:23-35
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.

Ruth Kallio-Mielke - Friday, March 20

Week 5 - Matthew 18:23-35
Friday, March 20, 2015
A Reflection on Forgiveness from Ruth Kallio-Mielke

We need to remember that we all sin and that only by the grace of God are we washed clean of our sins. Obsessing about something we did wrong or seeking revenge against someone who sins against us is a vicious cycle of sin and will only cause more hurt. We need to end the cycle of sin by forgiving ourselves and others just like God forgives us.

People (including me) do things that are not right. It is hard to forgive ourselves and remember that just because we did something wrong, we aren’t bad people, just ordinary sinners that God forgives.

The scripture story of forgiveness speaks to me to remind me that I need to be loving, patient and forgiving with myself and all those I interact with. I often find myself losing patience with myself, as well as with people and things around me. God forgives us and with this forgiveness we can move on to do great things. If we don’t accept his forgiveness, we will wallow in regret and waste time and energy on self-pity and think bad thoughts about people around us. If we accept forgiveness and move forward in peace, we can spread that peace to all we interact with. This has a huge snowball effect to create a better, more peaceful environment wherever we go.

Thank you, God, for reminding us that you created us just as you want us. When we make mistakes, help us to accept your forgiveness with grace and grant that same forgiveness to all the people around us. Give us the strength to project a calm, peaceful approach to the world you blessed us with. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

Laura DeWitt - March 19

Week 5 - Matthew 18:23-35
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.