BEING FORGIVEN

In forgiving we are still in control. “I forgive you.”….but to be forgiven by you, first of all I have to say, “I’m sorry. There is something that I didn’t do for you.” 

This is hard and puts me in a vulnerable position…in a dependent position. I have handed you over to suffering….somehow I have failed you. I am sorry I failed you. I am sorry I wasn’t the kind of mother, or father, or friend, or brother, or sister, or neighbor, whatever that I wanted to be. Can you forgive me?

It is not just asking the individual. It is having the ability to say, “God can you forgive me?” Can I be open to forgiveness? Then your heart can move from the hardened heart….to a heart of new flesh.

Luke 17:3-4

Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive.”

PRAYER

Lord….. you are the God of mercy. You are in each and every one of us. You are in all of us. Help us to understand and admit that this is why we must forgive….and we must also ask for forgiveness. Let us see your face shine once again on the sin and the sinner. 

• AMEN •

…. I now light the candles of peace, hope, joy and Love…..