I suddenly had a vague memory of her
asking me the question, a memory of
hugging her goodbye, but a realization
that I had not, in fact, done a single
thing to help her with lunch. Lucky for
me, she totally forgave me.
Knowing that I’m surrounded by
people who see me for the best in me,
and forgive the other parts, feels like
such a gift. It reminds me of this quote:
“People in whom goodness prevails
turn everything toward goodness, and
excuse. Therefore, whatever is from
the Lord, and whoever are led by the Lord, turn everything toward good.”
(Spiritual Experiences 1705)
For the past few months, I’ve poured through dozens of forgiveness
stories in preparation for the Fall Journey campaign, Practicing Forgiveness.
It’s been such a touching topic to study. What comes through most clearly
to me is that forgiveness is really just a form of love. In fact, it may be the
most powerful expression of love. It’s the kind of love that cuts through hate,
revenge, bitterness. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t shrink away, even in the
hardest situations. It’s the kind of love that refuses to let hurtful behavior get
the best of us or make us bitter. It’s the kind of love that sees and believes in
the good in every person, and in every situation. It’s the kind of love that Jesus
preached about, and lived by.
For the Practicing Forgiveness workbook, my co-author John Odhner
and I have juxtaposed modern stories of forgiveness with stories from the
New Testament. We also include discussion questions, quotes, meditations,
activities and space for personal reflection. Our dream in putting together this
content is that we all might begin to see each other with a little less judgment,
a little more gentleness, and a lot more love.
If you’re interested in getting involved, we would be glad to have you join.
The first round of Practicing Forgiveness groups will launch this fall. For more
information, please find us at www.newchurchjourney.org.
What comes through
most clearly to me
is that forgiveness is
really just a form of
love. In fact, it may
be the most powerful
expression of love.
Sasha Silverman is Content Editor for General Church
Outreach, developing annual Journey Programs with the Rev.
John Odhner. She lives in Bryn Athyn with her two children.
Contact: [email protected].
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