LENT and the Corpath Member - WEEK 5
We continue our look at the topic of the Lenten Season and how we, as Corpath members, can embrace and participate with this meaningful time in the Christian calendar.
FORGIVENESS
Of all the topics that would have high priority for the Christian, FORGIVENESS would likely be at the top of the list. However, I have to say, it is often one of the hardest to understand, accept and display.
There are so many angles from which we could explore this topic, but for today, as we dive a bit deeper into our thinking, I would propose we think about FORGIVENESS from two perspectives.
FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a personal attack? Have you ever had anyone do something to deliberately cause you pain or hardship? Have you ever been disrespected in an egregious way? I know I have… and it’s not fun.
Differences of opinion can sometimes lead to harsh behaviours resulting in conflict and, sometimes, harsh thoughts, words and actions between us and another person.
Differences in character can sometimes result in disconnect and even separation between people. When our ego gets in the way we might “dig in” and choose to be right rather than support the relationship with another person.
Q: What experiences can you recall where you needed to forgive others?
I can think of past incidents that have caused fractures in my relationships with others, and, being fully transparent with you, I have to say that forgiveness doesn’t always come easy for me. It comes easy when I hadn’t felt particularly offended, and someone apologizes and asks for my forgiveness. Yet there are times when I have been deeply hurt and the offender had (or still has) no regard or care for their offence. There have been times when people have created fictitious stories about me to leverage their own success or status. Those situations are harder to forgive. I don’t think I’m alone in this.
In a self-centred world, FORGIVENESS is something everyone wants to receive, but few are willing to give.
From a Christian perspective, I believe the “ask of forgiveness” from others is often a test. We become a participant in a negative situation and the world watches our response. It seems that forgiveness is often expected simply because we have professed to be a Christ-follower.
Thinking about the Lenten Season, we reflect and meditate on Christ’s life while here on earth. We know that his journey ended at Golgotha. The cross. Death at the hands of people who simply didn’t know or accept who He was. Some of His last words at His crucifixion were used to ask for FORGIVENESS.
Luke 23:32-37 recounts what was happening at that time. Take a moment and read the passage now.
In this passage, we read that Jesus was led to a place where nobody that was convicted ever left alive. He was placed between two thieves. He was humiliated. He was taunted. Soldiers were “playing games” at the foot of the cross and had no regard for the Son of God hanging before them. Yet, in his immense physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, and as he was able to observe all of this from his point of view, he prayed for their forgiveness.
I can’t imagine that anything that others would do to me would be as heinous and painful as what Christ experienced. He modelled the way of forgiveness that we are to follow. It’s hard sometimes, but we are called to this level, nonetheless.
Q: Who, around you today, do you need to forgive?
FORGIVENESS OF SELF
As a Christian, we are constantly being challenged to live out our faith despite the temptation to do something different.
Having a carnal nature means we often do things contrary to what we desire to do. We sometimes make choices that stand in contrast to our Christian values. At times, we might vehemently defend ourselves and our actions all while knowing we are in the wrong. At other times we might agree to participate in worldly endeavours while feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit to choose differently.
Galatians 5:16-18 (NLT) says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”
In this passage, Paul accurately captures and explains what living with sinful tendencies is like for the Christ-follower. We all sin. Do we let our sinful nature control and defeat us? Absolutely not.
Perhaps this passage in Philippians 3:12-14 gives us the encouragement we need to forgive ourselves when we sin:
“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
And 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV) reminds us that when we sin, God uses it to transform us into something new:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Q: Is there something in your past you are hanging into that required self-forgiveness?
This week, be aware of those incidents where you need to practice forgiveness to others and yourself.
Prayer:
My God, I praise you today for your infinite grace and care for me. You have forgiven much in me over the years and continue to do so. I pray that as I seek to forgive others you would remind me to also forgive myself. Let me not live in my sinful past but press on to a righteous future rooted in you. Amen.
If you would like to continue a more intentional journey of honest reflection and faith this Lenten Season, consider using this series available to you as part of your FREE Corpath Member subscription at RightNow Media. Watch it and talk about it with your family and Forum Group members.
The Lent Experience, by Eric Ferris.
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/content/details/468550
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
