Ministry and Care

The following message was presented by Diya T for a Year 8-9 chapel late last term. 

Forgiveness is the act of pardoning a wrongdoer.  One of the Greek words used in the New Testament that is translated "forgiveness" actually means "to let go."

Forgiveness is vital for us.  It offers peace of mind to the forgiver and frees him or her from the damaging impacts of bitterness and resentment. It also helps make people more compassionate. God encourages all of us to forgive each other. Scripture puts it like this: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you’  (Ephesians 4: 31-32).  This Bible verse teaches that God empowers us to get rid of our anger and need for revenge. In lieu of this, God helps us to be kind, generous and forgiving of others, just as Jesus forgives us.  To use a gardening picture, God helps us to pull out the weeds of our soul and replace them with beautiful, bright flowers.

Merciful God, you are full of forgiveness.  Help us to live in the light of your truth.  Give us the grace we need to extend forgiveness to those who hurt us.  Help us not to hold grudges, because grudges are like rust, eating away at our soul.  We have been forgiven of so much; help us to live in the freedom of your compassion.   In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.