Forgive, and Be Forgiven

 

Jeremiah 14:7 (NRSVue) - Although our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; our rebellions indeed are many, and we have sinned against you.

Jeremiah 14 is about a great drought.

The containers are empty.

The ground is cracked.

The animals suffer.

Even the people cry out.

The prophet admits that the people are rebellious, and their sins are many.

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His followers how they should pray.

He follows this prayer with a word of caution.

For one to be forgiven, one must be willing to forgive.

Matthew 6:14 (NRSVue) - For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

Like the people of Jeremiah’s day, we too are sinful and rebellious.

We wish to be forgiven.

But to be forgiven, we must be willing to forgive.

Honestly, this is something that even Christians struggle with.

But to forgive is far from impossible.

We do not have to rely on our strength alone to forgive.

God can help us to be forgiving.

And when we turn to Him in this manner, He reminds us that in forgiving we are forgiven.

Christ gave us the best example of forgiveness during His crucifixion.

Luke 23:34 (NRSVue) - Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

If Christ could forgive so much, shouldn’t we be willing to forgive so little?

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, October 18, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, October 25, 2024