March 9, 2010
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
By Beth DeCristofaro
“For your name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant….Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.” (Daniel 3:25, 42-43)
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22)
Piety
O God, do not let me be put to shame and help me not to shame others. Deal with me kindly and lead me to kindness towards other people. Shower your mercy upon me and enable me to extend mercy to others. May I learn that forgiveness is a gift from you and forgiving brings glory to your name. Amen.
Study
Leslie Brandt in Jesus / Now writes “The child of God is not exempt from the problems and difficulties that afflict the human family. There are mountains to climb and burdens to carry. But never need he or she carry the devastating burden of sin. Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient; man’s guilt was exonerated. The forgiving grace of a loving God has been appropriated. …It is necessary, however, that the forgiven person become a forgiving person…Should you be tempted to consider (a) person as unworthy of your forgiveness, consider, as well, how undeserving you are of God’s forgiveness of the enmity and rebelliousness you have often manifested toward Him.”[1]
I am struck with Jesus’ parable. It seems so obvious that the servant is in the wrong. But in many moments of my life it is usually not so obvious. Something is said, an event occurs – or doesn’t occur – and I’m angry and affronted. Sometimes it doesn’t even cross my mind to offer forgiveness but I rather just stay in my mad space and make life miserable for me and others. It is so hard for me to accept and trust that I am loved by God that it is also difficult giving love freely and forgiving even at what feels my own expense. But this cuts me off from God’s loving presence. God is right there for me…can I be right there for the offender? And can I ask for forgiveness when I offend?
Action
Is there something for which you cannot forgive someone? Look closely, honestly and kindly within yourself. Is there a similar issue with you? Can you not forgive another because you have not forgiven yourself? God has already forgiven you. Extend that forgiveness to the other during this Lenten season and bring glory to God’s name.
