Holy Week Art Walk
Station 1: Forgive
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When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
- Luke 23:33-34 |
“Our most grievous sins occur when we fail to love. We let people down; we hurt others; we offend; we are unresponsive to the needs of others. In all these failures--and countless others--we behave in unloving ways that break God’s heart. When we have sinned, we can ask God for forgiveness.
The good news is that God is more eager to forgive us than we will ever know. God is always there to embrace us, to receive us home again, and to let us start afresh. We see this clearly in the ways Jesus constantly offers forgiveness to those around him who have failed.
One reason we struggle to forgive others is that we do not really believe that we are forgiven people. If we could fully accept the truth that we are forgiven and we don’t have to live in shame and guilt, we would know the freedom to forgive. As a forgiven people, we possess the power of forgiveness.”
~a reflection by Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Lent: 40 Words for 40 Days, p.36~
The good news is that God is more eager to forgive us than we will ever know. God is always there to embrace us, to receive us home again, and to let us start afresh. We see this clearly in the ways Jesus constantly offers forgiveness to those around him who have failed.
One reason we struggle to forgive others is that we do not really believe that we are forgiven people. If we could fully accept the truth that we are forgiven and we don’t have to live in shame and guilt, we would know the freedom to forgive. As a forgiven people, we possess the power of forgiveness.”
~a reflection by Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Lent: 40 Words for 40 Days, p.36~
Prayer Prompt
Pause here to remember places in your life where injury or hurt is remembered. Is there a name or face that, when it comes to mind, is immediately followed by feelings of hurt or resentment? What would forgiveness look like? How does your experience of forgiveness affect your ability to extend it to others?
Frederick Buechner says that, “for both parties, forgiveness means the freedom again to be at peace inside their own skins and to be glad in each other’s presence.” (Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC)
What people or moments in your life would you like to have the courage to forgive? Is there forgiveness that you would like to offer to yourself?
Frederick Buechner says that, “for both parties, forgiveness means the freedom again to be at peace inside their own skins and to be glad in each other’s presence.” (Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC)
What people or moments in your life would you like to have the courage to forgive? Is there forgiveness that you would like to offer to yourself?
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