By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
I'm always amazed at the new insights I gain when singing a hymn for the 100th or more time. As I sang, “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” at the 11:30 service on Sunday, I thought of Saint Francis's prayer:
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace…
Where there is injury, pardon” (UMH 481)
And the words in the hymn paraphrase this thought:
“It is in the pardoning that we are pardoned.”
I looked at Matthew 6:12-15, the scripture reference, and discovered a connection I hadn’t experienced before. These words are very similar to the words we say every Sunday in the Lord's Prayer as we address God,
“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12)
The words from The First Nations Version New Testament speak to me:
“Release us from the things we have done wrong in the same way we release others for things done wrong to us,” (Matthew 6:12)
I confess this is hard to do. Especially when I think about my list of those who have deeply wronged me, and I haven’t forgiven them.
Yet God forgives us. What keeps me from being as forgiving as God?
I decided to ask God to show me ways to be more willing to forgive. This seems overwhelming, but with God’s help, it is possible.
I recently read “Think Small,” written by Rabbi Evan Moffic, which helped me in my pondering. He answers the question “What is the best way to deepen our spiritual commitment?” Rabbi Moffic says, “Starting small is always more effective and lasting than beginning with a big commitment.” So, if I practice doing the small acts of forgiveness, I will grow in my ability to share God's gift of forgiveness. I will experience humility and healing. I will live a more Christian life.
Loving and forgiving God.
As we experience your gift of forgiveness, remind us of the many times your Beloved Son forgave others. Instill in us ways to accept one another and to have forgiving hearts. Amen.