Forgiveness is something important
that we all need in our lives. We all make mistakes and do daft things. We all say
something snarky or do something dorky that ends up annoying our families,
friends, neighbors, or working colleagues. Even in church, where we all should
know better, we hurt others with our words and harm relationships with gossip.
Forgiveness is one of the key
elements of Christ’s message. In His own time, He was widely known as a
preacher, teacher, and healer. However, there are many Gospel passages that
reveal to us His main role – He was a Forgiver, or as we say in church world,
He was (and still is) the Savior.
As we watch the overnight violence
in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, and see how rage and fear, injustice and racism
are manipulated into anarchy, people have quickly forgotten that the parents of
Michael Brown asked for the inevitable protests to be peaceful demonstrations,
so that justice, mercy, and forgiveness could be at the heart of reconciling,
restoring, and renewing the whole community. It’s sad to see that their words
went unheeded.
Long after the last store is looted,
the last car is burned, the last canister of tear gas is launched, and the last
word of hate is spoken, forgiveness will be needed to heal the wounds. Without
it, there will be no progress towards real peace. Perhaps then, this is a
special time when the Church can intervene and help guide the many sides
towards reconciliation, hope, and healing. Christ’s power of forgiveness can do
this, but only if and when the community seeks His help.
Questions for
personal reflection
What do I feel about the riots in Ferguson? What should I be
praying for?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we call You the
Prince of Peace and Savior of the World. Today, we ask that Your Holy Presence
may be found and experienced in the streets and stores, homes, and churches in
Ferguson, Missouri. We pray that Your followers may be inspired to seek peace
and reconciliation by offering forgiveness and love. Help Your churches in the
area to come together and empower them to bring healing to the hearts that are
hurting, as well as faith to those who are afraid. In Your Holy Name, we pray.
Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about
today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Face to
Face.” It represents dialogue and embracing between races. If you would like to
view a larger version, please click on this link: Face to Face.
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