24th. June.2020. Daily Devotion.
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ 22 Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22
The Apostle Peter puts this question to our blessed Saviour: “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times!” Not as if after this number of offences, a man might then stop forgiving, but the expression is to show us that our forgiveness isn’t bound to any number of offences. We are to continue forgiving the most repeated offences against us. Our Saviour said in another place, “Even if he sin against you seven times in a day and seven times returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him” (Luke 17:4). If a man does not forgive his brother, because he has forgiven him often already, such a person breaks this law of Christ for forgiveness.
Now the rule of forgiving is also the rule of giving. You should not give or do good seven times, but you should seventy-seven times. You should not stop giving, because you have given often to the same person, or to other people, but you must see yourself as indebted to continue relieving those that continue in want, as you were obliged to relieve them once or twice. He that is not ready to forgive every brother, as often as he wants to be forgiven, does not forgive like a disciple of Christ. And he that is not ready to give to every brother that wants to have something given to him, does not give like a disciple of Christ. Adapted from A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life by William Law
Forgiveness is not easy. Here is a prayer which illustrates the struggle to forgive:
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15
Dear Merciful Lord,
Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me.
I understand that even though I feel scarred, my emotions don’t have to control my actions. Father may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Saviour’s eyes. If I can be forgiven, so can he. I understand there are no levels to your love. We are all your children, and your desire is that none of us should perish.
You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank you for the reminder, “Always be thankful. With gratitude I can draw closer to you and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude I can see the person who caused my pain as a child of the Most High God. Loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.
And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise you for the work you are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Kristine Brown
Loving, ever living and compassionate God,
You understand the pain of loss, the heartache of bereavement,
May we hold in our hearts all those whose families or friends have died.
You are a light that shines in the darkest times,
Guide us and heal us in our sickness and sorrow.
You comfort us in times of fear,
May we comfort each other, even as we keep apart.
You console and lead us in times of doubt and confusion,
May we follow the light of your love and spread hope.
You move our hearts to acts of generosity,
May we be led to share what we have with those in need.
God of life, we thank you for the signs of your light amid our darkness,
May we be signs of your compassion in the heart of your world. Amen. (CAFOD prayers)
Congregational Message
As we are now in phase two of the lockdown, in Inverkeithing we are considering opening the Church for private prayer. We tried this in the weeks prior to the lockdown, but only two or three people availed themselves of the opportunity.
We will require volunteers to be present on open days, possibly for two hours on certain weekday mornings. We need to be assured that we can cover the opening hours both in terms of volunteers who can be present to supervise the distancing and cleaning requirements involved, and a worthwhile number of persons wishing to use this facility.
To help the Kirk Session make the decision, if you would be willing to use this facility regularly, say once or twice a week, or to volunteer, please indicate to me or Moira Lamont by email by Saturday this week.
calston@churchofscotland.org.uk; moiralamont@aol.com
