Forgiveness
” to forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover
that the prisoner was you” Lewis Smedes
Last Saturday evening I was weary. The plane ride from Illinois to check on mother hadn’t landed back in Calgary until 1:00 am. I crawled into bed around 1:45. We had planned to have another dinner with Pastor Bob and Debbie. I was tempted to cancel. I am glad I didn’t. Little did I know that God had one of those surprises that he often gives when we are weary.
After dinner we sat on our patio with the two couples who had joined us, enjoying the warm summer evening. As usual I asked the question, “Tell me about your spiritual journey.” As Chelsea shared I realized we were on holy ground. She talked about how God had changed her, loved her, forgiven her and how Jesus asked her to give that same gift to her mother. As she walked us through the story of taking baby steps to forgiveness I was blown away. It has such an impact on me I asked her to share her story on Sunday morning. Again, as she shared you could sense the deep work of Christ in her life.
Hosea was my text on Sunday. Just as Hosea’s loyal love would not let go of Gomer, so was God’s loyal love for Israel who continued to pursue her even though she committed spiritual adultery. Judgement was coming. Choices have consequences. But God promised redemption and restoration for those who would return. What a living picture this is of God’s relationship to us! He has loved us, not because we were pure, and holy, and lovely; for, in fact, He knew that we were none of these. In fact we staggered in our sin and unfaithfulness, He took us into a covenant relationship with Himself. Not because we were good, but to make us so; not because we were faithful, but to lead us to be so. He has given us all kinds of blessings. But how often we have strayed. We have departed from Him, and grossly betrayed His trust; till He has been reluctantly obliged to leave us to ourselves. But He waits to be gracious; and if we repent and turn to Him. He longs for us to walk in the transformation that His forgiveness brings.
Forgiveness…is there someone you need to forgive today? A parent? A spouse? A colleague? A friend? A child? Yourself. I love the quote by CS Lewis, I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Eph. 4:32
Since we have experienced His great forgiveness, let us be a channel of that forgiveness others.
grace to you, bob
