United by Forgiveness

Sir Godfrey Gregg

Read

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.          Ephesians 4:31-32

Reflect

Forgiveness is hard. The Christian family is made up of imperfect people who often say and do the wrong things. Yet, the Bible says to forgive each other “as God in Christ forgave you.” When we forgive, we are recognizing that God forgives us, and that we are united with God and with each other only because of God’s grace. Forgiveness is what all believers have in common, and it connects the members of The Mystical Order and associate churches together in unity so that God may work in marvelous ways through his people.

In the culture we live in, self-gratification and pride are valued above all else. A forgiving and sacrificial church is completely unique to the world and displays the glory of God for all to see. Instead of strife and bitterness marking the people of God, the church is defined by grace and mercy. As we fast, read God’s Word and pray together during this season, let us meditate on God’s loving kindness in pardoning our sins so that we may find peace and unity as we show kindness and patience with one another.

Respond

How has God’s forgiveness brought you peace and contentment?

Who do you need to forgive today to stand in unity with your brothers and sisters?

 “The community of the saints is not an ‘ideal’ community consisting of perfect and sinless men and women, where there is no need of further repentance. No, it is a community which proves that it is worthy of the gospel of forgiveness by constantly and sincerely proclaiming God’s forgiveness.”