In a world where ignorance is at an all time high, it is time to bring things back in to perspective.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Forgiveness

I was asked to give a reflection for the 7 Last Words portion of the Maundy Thursday Service at my church.  For many reasons I chose the first words.


 “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Reflection
There are times in our lives when we need to forgive and when we need to be forgiven.  It usually more difficult for us to be the one to forgive. Often  it is because it is those who are close that we love, like our family close friends that when they hurt us, it really hurts. And that makes it hard to forgive. Even if the hurt is unintentional we still find it hard to forgive. Now look at Christ on the cross. Here he is being hurt by the very brothers and sisters he is giving his life for. And even in the pain of being hurt by those he loves.  He asks for forgiveness for us all.  If we are to really be like Christ we must forgive those who have hurt us. We must ask to be forgiven by those we hurt. Even in the middle of the pain seek forgiveness.   Let's free ourselves from the sin and burden of un-forgiveness.  Forgiveness is a word of action start acting today.  Forgive.  

Take  a moment to truly look within and ask ...
Have you forgiven those who wronged you?  Do you believe that God has truly forgiven you of your sins? 

Now let us go to the Lord in Prayer. 
God of forgiveness and creator of new life. Please forgive us of our sins.   Help us to understand what forgiveness means. Help us to act and seek forgiveness from those we have hurt. Heal our hearts and help us to forgive those who have hurt us. True forgiveness Lord, not just speaking the word forgiveness but truly acting and experiencing forgiveness. Free us from the sin and burden of carrying things we need to forgive. In Jesus name we ask. Amen