Forgiveness

February is all talk about love as Valentine’s Day approaches. But sometimes love can hurt.  In a previous CHRC Belltower article, I talked about letting go of the resentment that comes with emotional wounds.  In this article, I am going to emphasize forgiveness as a way to let go of those past hurts.  (Gary Keck, congregant, will continue to have discussions on forgiveness in February and March. If you are interested, please contact the church office and pick up a book selection and start reading).

Karen Prosser in her article, “Forgiveness + Love = Grace” writes, “Forgiveness takes strength and courage and requires hope and faith.  If we are willing to forgive, God will take care of the rest and heal and mend us. When you have God’s heart, forgiveness is easier.  When you have a heart full of love, you have God.  When you forgive with love, you give grace. Grace and forgiveness are compatible, and one cannot exist without the other.  Grace shows compassion.  We are to not hold sin against one another and how we do this is by forgiving and letting go; to not harbor, brood over, or cling to wrongdoing or try to figure out the why behind a hurtful act.”

1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

To love for one another means to have a love that is heartfelt, passionate, sincere, and wholehearted.  Unfailing love is constant, dependable, and steadfast.  This kind of love fails to notice, and lets go of another's unkindness and selfishness.  This is how we look past hurts and disappointments, whether intentional or not.  This is how we are obedient to God to love one another, even our enemies. 

Only God-given peace and healing occurs when we are obedient to forgive, love, and extend grace. Unforgiveness harms us; it keeps us from being forgiven by God. 

Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Matthew 18:21-22(NIV) 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

“Forgiveness + Love = Grace results in unity and peace among ourselves.  As a parent enjoys their children getting along, so does God with all of His children.  Any discord between siblings causes strife and division.  God loves us to work together, to watch out for each other and help each other out, whether it is an act of forgiveness, letting go of a wrongdoing, showing love rather than anger and bitterness, and resolving issues gracefully to ultimately reach a peaceful resolution.”

“May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ toward the other.  And then all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 15:5-6 (TLB)

(Excerpts from an article from Worldpress.com written by Karen Prosser)

Come join a conversation group in response to challenging readings - Biblical, theological, and worldly.  Selections should be read ( or perused as your time allows) for each session. No tests, no quizzes, no essays, no trivia contests, just an enjoyable exchange of thoughts and reactions. We will gather on four Sundays after worship to consider the following readings:

 2/2 - Making Sense of Forgiveness (Brad Hambrick)

 2/9 - a short story and an interview (to be provided at the first session)

 2/16 - Forgiven (Terri Roberts)

 3/2 - Sirens of Titan (Kurt Vonnegut, Jr)

Limited copies are available in the church office. Please return each for others’ use a