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Lenten Devotions

Day 24: Written by Pastor Bob Bipes

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“Jesus said, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus said to the repentant thief; “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:34, 43  

“If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23, 24 “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

Jesus willingly forgave his enemies as he was being nailed to the cross. We see those words as applying to us as well, that he died to forgive our sins. In His words to the thief on the cross, he reinforces Hi willingness to forgive.

The words in the Sermon on the Mount telling us it is more urgent to be reconciled to your brother or sister in the faith, than offer your gift to the Lord, and the words of the Lord’s prayer that ask God to forgive us as we forgive those who wrong us backs up the importance of us being models of forgiveness and reconciliation.

One thing I have learned from experience is that a very good way to begin reconciliation is for you to apologize to the one who has wronged you. In most cases, if someone has intentionally done you wrong it is because they perceive some words or actions from you have been an insult or put down on them.

So by your apology, you open the door to talk about what is bugging them and from there come to a new understanding that heals the wounds on both sides.

And that apology should not be “if I have offended”, but something like, “I am sorry I offended you”, or “I am sorry you were hurt by what I did or said.”  The “if I have” suggests you can’t believe that anyone could misconstrue your words or actions, but you know they are hurt. So offer your apology plainly.

Let us be people of peace and reconciliation, preserving the peace and harmony of the people of faith.

Prayer:  Abundantly forgiving Lord, nothing someone can do to us compares with what we did to You at Your crucifixion. Help us to remember that when we feel someone has hurt us, that we may be as willing to forgive them as You have forgiven us. In Your forgiving name we pray. Amen.

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