Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, July 25, 2020
by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff
Forgiveness does not mean condoning. Jesus is not advocating that we open ourselves to abuse, that we don’t hold others accountable for unacceptable behavior. Dr. King’s model of nonviolent direct action included forgiveness for the oppressor, but its goal was to change the oppressive system, not just endure it.
Forgiveness brings change. The term “forgiveness” actually means “giving up resentment.” It’s an internal process. A healing process. When I forgive someone, it’s not about them, or even about what they did. It’s about allowing myself the freedom to move past it. It doesn’t make what happened okay. There may need to be consequences or boundaries set. But as long as I hold onto my resentment, the other person’s action holds power over me and my life is diminished.
Jesus calls us to forgiveness. Without it, our relationships and our communities are inevitably bogged down by self-righteous anger and we have no peace.
Is there someone I need to forgive? Do I need to forgive myself for something?
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