ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 10, 2022
I’m guessing most of you have heard the saying: “To err is human, to forgive divine.” I don’t know why I always assumed it was Shakespeare, but in fact, it was Alexander Pope in the early 18th century. Over the years, I have heard a few people use it as a cover for not forgiving. In their thinking, forgiveness belongs to God and not to humans. As followers of Jesus, that seems a bit troubling as Jesus taught, demonstrated and commanded us to forgive. I tend to think of it in terms of there being the divine spark (image) within each of us, and it is from there that we find the capacity to forgive. It was Corrie Ten Boom who wrote, “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” In no way do I wish to give the impression that forgiveness is easy, but I believe the capacity is there within all of us. Does it always come quickly? No! Does it often require struggle and the guidance of a good counselor and a faith community? Yes! Let us never look at a situation and assume it is beyond forgiveness. All things are possible with God, and if God is within us, then maybe forgiveness is possible.
Holy Creator of All, you have shown me how to forgive and then commanded me to do likewise. Gift me with your Spirit as a guide as I take the arduous and often complicated journey toward forgiveness. Amen.
