Forgiveness - now or never
I read the amazing story of a father who had fallen out with his son. He decided to do something about it, so he went into town and posted a sign in the Post Office window which read, “Son, all is forgiven. Meet me here at sunset”. At the appointed time, 75 young men showed up!
I think this says something about our lives and the world we live in today. We are all so busy with the stresses of balancing family life, work and recreation time that we have allowed some relationships to “break down” and as time passes we never try to repair them because we have a very good excuse. We are too busy!
While we do have the TIME, what can we do with the broken relationships in our lives? Do we continue as “normal”, trying to forget about them?
Jesus is telling us in Matthew 18 that we need to practise lovingly handling conflict through reconciliation and forgiveness. Unforgiveness is a choice that is negative and harmful. It will take over our lives and destroy our souls. May we find the courage and TIME to repair all the broken relationships in our lives and reconcile in love! Amen
Matthew 18:21-22 “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?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask forgiveness for all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself and others. Transform my thoughts and my heart to love myself and others, according to Your forgiving LOVE. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and blessings upon my life and the life of others. Amen
Listen to and read the words of the hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.
Spring 2020 ● Volume 4, Issue 3 ● Balerno Parish Church