Reading 19
Living Forgiveness—Matthew 18
“I forgive you.”
These three small words came out of the mouths of my nieces and nephews often as I visited family earlier this summer. Days were filled with normal sibling behavior—stealing toys, stepping on fingers, eating each other’s snacks, or just looking at a sister the wrong way. Their parents have taught them to apologize, and respond with “I forgive you,” when they have been wronged. The words struck me each time they came out of a sweet two-year old’s mouth, but what happened after is what has stuck with me for weeks. Living forgiveness, not just saying it. Abundant grace. It was as if forgiveness truly erased the transgression and fully restored the relationship.
With that sort of example, it’s no surprise that Jesus urges his disciples to become like children at the beginning of Matthew 18. In this chapter we, with the disciples, hear about forgiveness that is life giving to the body of Christ and an example of God’s grace to the world.
The stumbling blocks of sin are all around us. Our lives, our Church, our world, are full of things that separate us from God and one another. Jesus calls us to repent, this is, turn away from the things that cause us to sin, and return to God who is gracious and merciful. Each time, like a sheep that has strayed from God, God forgives and erases the transgression from memory.
In God’s forgiveness for us, we are shown how we are called to forgive others. As God’s forgiveness in Christ has restored our relationship with God, our forgiveness of others mends relationships and builds up the body of Christ. Showing compassion and mercy to those who have sinned against us proclaims God’s goodness and is a witness to God’s love. We are called to be people who not only speak forgiveness, but live it as we continue to love and serve our neighbors together for the sake of the world.
To Consider:
- What are the stumbling blocks of sin in your life?
- How can you model child–like forgiveness? How can you live forgiveness, rather than just speak it?
Loving God, by the death of your Son, you forgave the sins of the whole world. By your grace, help us to show your love as we forgive others, that all might know of the abundant life made possible through your mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Deacon Katie Rivers serves at St. Mark’s in Asheville. When she’s not encouraging discipleship in the life of her congregation, you can find her on the side of a mountain with a fly rod in hand and a basset hound puppy underfoot.
