Forgiveness

Good Morning!

We have come to the end of another week. Tomorrow is a big day for us in Riverdale as we do a prayer walk at several local schools … and then pass out school supplies to children in the Chateau Forest apartment complex. I am praying for good weather … not the stifling hot we have had for several days here. But if it is hot, we still will go because it is an opportunity to share God’s love.

I have been wanting to share something I saw and something I heard with you this week. I will start with something I heard.

One of my coworkers is having a difficult time forgiving her preacher – because he hasn’t asked for forgiveness. At least that is what she tells me. There was a meeting and several people got hot … including the preacher. As a result, ten or eleven people left the church … many of them key leaders. And, according to my coworker, the preacher hasn’t apologized to the congregation for several things he said during the upset. It is a sticking point with her. And it weighs heavily on her mind … hence I hear about it often.

What I saw was two deacons in a heated conversation. One was upset with the other for an action that had been taken. I was really concerned about the interaction because Deacon 1 was so animated and so angry at Deacon 2. The next morning … which was Sunday … both Deacon 1 and Deacon 2 were with us as we prayed over the service. At the end of the prayer session, Deacon 1 offered his apology to Deacon 2 in front of all of those who were gathered. Peace was restored.

I share this with you because all too often the work of the ministry is thwarted by the internal bickering amongst us. Forgiving and learning to forgive are important aspects of Christian growth. The phrases “I’m sorry” and “please forgive me” are not signs of weakness but of strength … and spoken appropriately and sincerely will strengthen the body of believers.

Jesus thought forgiveness important enough to comment after teaching us to pray. Here is the verse:

Matthew 6:14-15
New International Version (NIV)

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Look, while we are “saints”, we sometimes don’t act too saintly. Sometimes we do or say things without thinking that it will hurt another. Sometimes we fail to say or do things – and that can be as hurtful. Likewise, we can be hurt by things people say or do or fail to say or fail to do. Learning to forgive (and forget) is an important step in our growth as believers in Christ Jesus. So is leaning to seek forgiveness. But I can tell you from the experiences above that seeking and receiving forgiveness leaves a sweet taste in everyone’s mouth.

Have a great weekend. Make your preacher’s day by showing up Sunday morning with a smile on your face and your Bible in your hand. Love one another as Christ has loved you.

Agape’


Mr. Jim