Imagine this coming Sunday, as we came together, that I asked for
anyone to stand that bears no grudge—to stand if they have forgiven everyone. And
that then, without hesitation, everyone in our sanctuary rises to their feet in
confidence. As far as we knew, and as far as it depended upon us, we were in good
standing with all others. The power of that moment would perhaps be the most
powerful sermon I had ever experienced.
Jesus commands his followers to practice forgiveness. Furthermore,
taking such steps for forgiveness comes first before any others service to a church.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and
there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the
altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift”
(Jesus, Matthew 5:23,24).
I wonder how our
churches are still operating with such a radical command. So many of us, most
really, are too good at carrying grudges. Jesus would have us step back from
serving in the church. How many leaders, preachers, people with keys to unlock
sanctuary doors, people that turn on lights & microphones, people that play
instruments, etc… How many of us need to put down our gift, first go make good
with others, and then serve?
This message
leads us deeper into the vision of Jesus for our human-to-human relations. The
Way of God is forgiveness.
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