Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (Psalm 32:1)
Have you ever felt truly forgiven?
My experience is that the only way to truly feel forgiven is in the aftermath of doing something really, really hurtful.
My experience is that those who truly understand the power of forgiveness are the ones who have needed it the most.
My experience is that forgiveness can fully and completely bring about new life.
In his book about faithful marriage, As For Me and My House, Walter Wangerin submits that the most important aspect for a lasting and fulfilling marriage is, not love or passion, but FORGIVENESS!
He suggests that learning to faithfully and generously forgive each other is what allows marriages to navigate the turbulent waters and unforeseen storms of life. He offers that it is in forgiving each other, in the insignificant and trivial, and in the heartbreaking and vital, that our relationships grow beyond the selfish and grow into the selfless. This gives a partnership of marriage a real chance to be special, he says.
I conclude that this works in other relationships too. In those with our friends, co-workers, and church friends. Forgiveness and reconciliation helps us move into kingdom come moments of hope and rebuilding of relationship. And it is for exactly this kingdom reality that Jesus models forgiveness on the cross.
Forgiving Lord, may we be as faithful in forgiveness to others and you have been to us. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment