We continue a brief walk with some material on reconciliation by Walter Wink.
We are enabled to forgive because we ourselves have been the enemies of God and yet know ourselves to be forgiven. We are enabled to forgive finally, because we cannot forgive, and throw ourselves on God’s mercy. Yes, forgiveness is impossible, and yes, God does the impossible. It is a matter of faith for me that the Holy Spirit can empower us to forgive anyone.
Wink also notes that “when God tells us to forgive our enemies, God gives, along with the command, the power to do so.” We can say that about all things. When God tells us to love neighbors and enemies and self…God gives us the power to do that. We may not use that power, but it is available to us. We see the availability of God’s power to heal, to rescue, to forgive, and to love in the stories of the person Jesus. In fact, it was the desire of Jesus that his followers would indeed continue to live within the power of life that is available from our God. In that way, Jesus’ followers would change the world – be a light for all.
Connection: Now we are invited to trust what God has done, can do, and will do among us. That is definitely the power to make something else out of this day.
Lord take us and use us. Remind us that you are the power for new life and we are free to let that power shape the way we live together. Thanks be to you, O God. Amen
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