ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 27, 2022
I’ve been thinking a lot about the important, yet challenging dance between forgiveness and responsibility. So often, when someone receives forgiveness for a wrong committed, the person believes the forgiveness has expunged any need to take responsibility for the wrong. I do not believe forgiveness removes the accountability of the one who did the wrong. In faith, God’s forgiveness releases us from guilt and fear, but when we begin to appreciate the depth of the grace and lavish nature of divine love, there is a joyous compulsion to take responsibility for mistakes or injury caused. It’s interesting how people in 12 Step Programs do an exceptional job of this, while a lot of Christians do not feel that need. “I’m forgiven and I can move on,” they say. By God’s grace, that is true. I do not believe God’s grace and forgiveness are transactional. God does not require us to do anything, but I’ve got to believe God hopes — hopes we act, not begrudgingly, but in a spirit of gratitude for what we have received and what has been modeled for us.
Good and Gracious God, I do not always appreciate the far-reaching and transformative power of forgiveness, and I probably take for granted the gift of your forgiveness more often than I should. Yet I believe my lack of recognition or gratitude does not limit the generosity of your heart. So, God, wherever forgiveness is allowing me to act, may I accept responsibility, seek to make amends, and work hard to bring restoration where it is possible. Amen.
