We are now in a devotional journey focused around portions of Carl E. Braaten’s book “Justification.”
Jesus’ admonition that we are to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven, is based on a concept of grace that goes against the grain of our natural human experience. We may use the word “paradox” to characterize the biblical notion of grace.
Such grace is beyond our understanding. I know that it is tough to forgive once…let alone…endlessly. But that is the way of our God…endlessly embracing us and welcoming us home…forgiven – new – beloved….again….and again…
It is “against the grain of our natural human experience” and this is why so many people like to theorize about it. The best way to avoid the greatest gift from the love of God is to try to turn it into something we can mess with. And yet, Jesus keeps bringing us back to what God does to make us new and free.
Connection: Forgiveness is odd and difficult…yet this is the perfect time to jump into its domain and be born anew.
Lord of New Life, how blessed are we that you have once and for all placed your power and glory on our side so that we may be inspired to turn to you alone for the power to move within this day. Amen
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