Forgiveness

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14)

I love talking forgiveness!  We all need to reflect more about what this really means in our every day lives… for even those close to us. It’s more than forgiving our enemies.  Forgiveness is not always easy for us nor is it always what we say it is.  Forgiveness is an ability that God has to do freely, lovingly, and unconditionally.   It is through our faith in Jesus that I think we are able to forgive others, not because we feel like it or because we are so good and holy, but because Jesus became human and through his life, death, and resurrection God brought forgiveness to the entire world. 

Forgiveness is a key to showing we indeed have eternal life inside us.   In our confessions we used to say these words… “If we say we love God but hate our brother or sister, we are liars and the truth is NOT in us. So, our forgiveness of others is a major indicator of true fellowship with God.   We forgive others.

As I work through this last week of my call here at Beautiful Savior, I am thinking a lot about forgiveness.  I hope you can forgive me for making the decision to leave this congregation when I am.  It is my prayer that I end this role here as your interim pastor on the best possible terms.  I truly have done what I hope has been the best for this congregation during my interim here.  

I pray that we all remember the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with one another.  Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”  This means a GOOD attitude.  When our negative attitudes arrive in our lives we often forget to forgive. 

A church congregation is a community of people… that DO NOT all think the same or believe the same things.  I pray that you all continue to work together as a church family accepting one’s differences and ways of thinking… YET… able to still worship, work and do God’s ministries together. 

Forgiveness is the release of resentment or anger. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation either. One doesn't have to return to the same relationship or accept the same harmful behaviors from another person. 

A church community is difficult to manage regardless of who is in top, leadership whether it be a pastor, council member or a team leader.   Please pray for those who will be handling the church business and ministries.  Be sure to forgive and understand they are trying to always do what they think is best for this congregation.  Again, they may NOT think the same way as you do.  In these situations, unless you can be of aid in a situation you disagree with, trust that they are doing what they are able. 

Peace be with you all.    AMEN