Forgiveness

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: “Forgiveness is one of those universal spiritual acts that makes room for both humility and hope, whether you find it in the Torah’s call to teshuvah and communal atonement, the Qur’an’s repeated emphasis on Allah’s rahma (mercy) and pardon, or in Christian teachings about grace, forgiveness of enemies, and the prodigal son’s homecoming. In public theology, forgiveness invites us to wrestle with law and mercy side by side: the Torah’s ethical demands, the Qur’anic insistence that repentance is always welcomed, and Christian reflections on Christ’s reconciling love all push communities to imagine restorative practices, honest apology, and the practical work of repairing harm. Lightly put, it’s less about sweeping mistakes under the rug and more about learning how to sweep together, and maybe share a beer afterwards.” ChatGPT

Tonight, we talk about forgiving and being forgiven.

Sentences on the Subject:

“Forgiveness is giving up all hopes of a better past.” Attributed to Ann Lamont

“People find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right.” Dumbledore

“I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.” C.S. Lewis

“So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,and then come and offer your gift. “ Matthew 5

“It is easier to get forgiveness than permission” Grace Hopper**

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34

The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. Shakespeare

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. Got a story (either personal or from a book/movie) you want to share where you (or a character) have either been or have forgiven?

Probe 2. Are mercy, grace, and forgiveness the same thing?

Probe 3. Depending on where you attend Christian worship, you may pray:

“Forgive us our _______________ as we forgive ________________.

A) trespasses; those who trespass against us

B) debts; our debtors

C) sins; those who sin against us

Are those the same thing? What’s the difference?

Probe 4. Any of the ‘Sentences’ that you want to react to?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.

————————————————————

**Coined by Grace Hopper, a computer pioneer and U.S. Navy Admiral who used this philosophy to break barriers and drive innovation in a male-dominated field