Once more we have reached the middle of another week with a chance to reflect on our circumstances in the light of God’s Word with an opportunity to spend some time praying for our world, other people and for ourselves. I invite you to take some time for prayer today.
However, first to reflect briefly on one of the most difficult tasks Jesus asked His followers to undertake. It is at one level very simple, but at another level, possibly one of the hardest things you may ever have to do. What is it Jesus invites us to do?
Matthew 6: 12, 14-15 The problem of forgiveness …forgive us our debts
One of the saddest categories of people in the world covers those who cannot handle the issue of forgiveness. In some cases it is a problem of receiving it; with other people it is a problem of offering it. John Stott, the distinguished Anglican minister in the second half of the twentieth century, once reported in one of his books [reference unknown] the words of the head of a large mental hospital, who in the 1970s told Stott: ‘I could dismiss half of my patients tomorrow if they could be assured of forgiveness.’
Lives can also be deeply damaged by an unwillingness to offer forgiveness to someone who is genuinely sorry for their past misconduct. Sometimes this can result in even greater emotional damage than the original crime, injury or problem. The longer a problem is left unresolved the harder it is to get it resolved.
However, it is not just in the secular world that forgiveness is a major issue; it can be just as serious a difficulty in the church. Christians claim to be followers of Jesus Christ with the implication that He sets the standards for the conduct of those who claim His name. Yet the hurtful words and thoughtless actions that can be experienced sometimes in Christian circles are unworthy of people who have pledged their allegiance to Him.
We have a responsibility, as far as it is up to us, to seek to bring resolution to relational problems and get them put behind us so that we are not damaged further by them. A friendship may never be restored or a family tie may never be the same again, but a wound can be healed rather than an emotional sore being left to fester for years to come. Anyone who finds this subject an easy one has little idea of its difficulties. Although sometimes it is the easiest thing in the world to acknowledge a fault, on other occasions it can be the hardest thing we have ever contemplated. What does Jesus say about this important subject?
1. Our responsibility And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6:12) The key word here is ‘as’. Many people feel powerless at the present time having to be at home wanting to do so much more for their community or city, but for a variety of reasons are unable to assist in the search for a vaccine or undertake much smaller local tasks for which they have volunteered. Jesus in this verse gave an enormous challenge to us all.
We want God to forgive us when we make mistakes or do something more seriously wrong? The problem of forgiveness here is that it is conditional. God promises to forgive us when we ask, if we are also willing to do the same with other people. Is there any situation you need to address today? Or any person you need to speak to?
2. Our blessingFor if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14) The key word here is ‘if’. It is not taken for granted because it can be deeply challenging to address some issues. But the reward for doing so is out of this world! To the person who seeks to address their own failings and forgive other people when they confess theirs, God says: I forgive you all your sins as well! Do you need to offer forgiveness to someone today? Do you need to receive it in your heart to be liberated from the pain of past failures or sins? This is a blessing we cannot afford to miss out on!
3. Our tragedy But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:15) If the reward of forgiving others is amazing, the failure to do so has alarming consequences. God is very clear here. Our relationship with Him can only function as is should if our hearts are right with Him and with other people. God at great cost to Himself sent Jesus to die in our place on the cross and take the punishment for our sins 2,000 years ago. In return, He calls us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in both our faith and practice. Can He count on you living for Him today?
Our song for reflection today is: ‘How deep the Father’s love for us’
Pointers for our Prayers
- What blessings in particular do you want to thank God for today? Take some time to praise God for who He is and then thank Him for the things we can be grateful for in our lives.
- Pray for those countries in Asia that have had a new rise in Covid-19 infections that they may quickly get them under control.
- Continue to pray for the Government in Scotland and in the wider UK and for their clinical and scientific advisers, that they may work together effectively at this time
- Pray for our NHS and Social Care Staff as they continue to serve so willingly the many people under their care. We pray that they and all other workers in our country may be able to carry out their duties as safely as possible.
- Pray for those ill with the Covid-19 virus, that they may soon regain their health and strength. We pray also for people with other health conditions that they may also have access to the medical care they require at this time. We continue to remember Jim and Jan F; we pray for Ali T’s parents, Jude R’s grandma and Isdale A’s dad; we also pray for others waiting for hospital appointments to address their health issues at this time.
- Pray for teachers and pupils, and lecturers and students, at different levels of education especially those known to you. That they may be able to work adequately online. Help them to overcome the challenges of technology and the difficulties of communicating effectively through online learning.
- We pray for the emotional and mental health of our nation, especially those of whatever age who are particularly struggling to cope with the lock down and the inability to meet with their families or friends.
- Pray for parents who are trying to support their children with school work at home, particularly while trying to do their own work too. Pray for patience and understanding. Remember children and young people who have additional support needs and are now struggling with a big change to their routines and a reduction in their usual support services.
- Pray for those recently bereaved that they may experience more of God’s love and comfort at this time, in particular we especially remember Betty and Scott R, Betty W, Eloise P, Elizabeth F and their families.
- Pray for those with planned house moves including Betty M and John and Pat A that they make know God’s peace about it in these unsettling times.
- Pray for ourselves, ask God to help us to seek Him first in everything that we do and to always make time each day to read His word and spend time in His presence.
- Pray in advance for the online meetings and activities throughout this week and the service next Sunday
Brian Talbot