Ponderings for Lent: Forgiven

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Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

03/23/2023

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Our meditation word for today is "forgiven." It's one of the "key" Lenten words, and yet it should be equally important every day of the year. To be forgiven is to be absolved from wrongdoing and released from the burden of guilt. Jesus, throughout the Gospels, offers forgiveness to those he meets. In Matthew 9, Jesus forgives a paralyzed man of his sins before he heals him to walk again, showing that spiritual healing is just as important, if not more so, than physical healing. In John 8, Jesus tells a woman caught in sin that he doesn't condemn her. He simply says, "Go and sin no more," offering her forgiveness and a chance to start over. Of course, she will sin again - as we all do - but Jesus has set the pattern: where there is sin and repentance, there is always forgiveness and a new beginning. 
Forgiveness is not only a gift of God offered to us through Jesus, but it is something we must give to others. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Ouch. This is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not only something we receive, but it's something we are called to extend to others. It's important to note that forgiveness doesn't mean we accept or condone what someone else has done to us or to others. It's possible to forgive someone for a wrong they have done without excusing the behavior or pretending it didn't happen. Ultimately, however, forgiveness isn't about the other person, it's about us. Forgiveness releases the anger, bitterness, and resentment that can fester inside of us and lead to spiritual emptiness. In forgiving, we choose not to be held captive by the words or acts of others. 
Today, I encourage you to reflect on your own need for forgiveness. Seek God's forgiveness where any may be needed. Then give thanks that there is more to the story. You get to start over and begin again. What a wonderful gift of Lent! Have a blessed day. 
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Our meditation word for today is "forgiven." It's one of the "key" Lenten words, and yet it should be equally important every day of the year. To be forgiven is to be absolved from wrongdoing and released from the burden of guilt. Jesus, throughout the Gospels, offers forgiveness to those he meets. In Matthew 9, Jesus forgives a paralyzed man of his sins before he heals him to walk again, showing that spiritual healing is just as important, if not more so, than physical healing. In John 8, Jesus tells a woman caught in sin that he doesn't condemn her. He simply says, "Go and sin no more," offering her forgiveness and a chance to start over. Of course, she will sin again - as we all do - but Jesus has set the pattern: where there is sin and repentance, there is always forgiveness and a new beginning. 
Forgiveness is not only a gift of God offered to us through Jesus, but it is something we must give to others. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Ouch. This is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not only something we receive, but it's something we are called to extend to others. It's important to note that forgiveness doesn't mean we accept or condone what someone else has done to us or to others. It's possible to forgive someone for a wrong they have done without excusing the behavior or pretending it didn't happen. Ultimately, however, forgiveness isn't about the other person, it's about us. Forgiveness releases the anger, bitterness, and resentment that can fester inside of us and lead to spiritual emptiness. In forgiving, we choose not to be held captive by the words or acts of others. 
Today, I encourage you to reflect on your own need for forgiveness. Seek God's forgiveness where any may be needed. Then give thanks that there is more to the story. You get to start over and begin again. What a wonderful gift of Lent! Have a blessed day. 
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