The Isaiah Kacyvenski story captured my attention certainly because of the obvious great story of redemption that it is... but more than that, it reminded me of the incredible amount of "work" that it is to forgive. Forgiveness can be painful as we work up to it... but there really is nothing more sweet than the moment when we let things go and forgive. It is so worth it.
Kacyvenski's strength to be able to confront and love his father is not only inspirational it is possible for all of us. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant reminds us that we can forgive others because we have been forgiven by God... a whole bunch! (Matthew 18:21-35, to read this story click here)Forgiveness is part of our work in the miracle of God's renewal in our relationships!
Let's forgive and be forgiven!
More later,
Van
P.S. Here's a cool article about Isaiah. (USA TODAY)
1 comment:
Hi, Van:
Something I read yesterday clicked in with the teaching from Sunday. It's from Eugene Peterson's book "A Long Obediience in the Same Direction":
Repentance is not an emotion. It is not feeling sorry for your sins. It is a decision. It is deciding that you have been wrong in supposing that you could manage your own life and be your own god. It is deciding that you were wrong in thinking that you had, or could get, the strength, education and training to make it on your own; it is deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself and your neighbors and the world. And it is deciding that God in Jesus Christ is telling you the truth. Repentance is a realization that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be acheived by doing the same old things, thinking the same old thoughts. Repentance is a decision to follow Jesus Christ and become his pilgrim in the path of peace.
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