Message
God’s Will/My Will: Freedom – Forgiveness

Gal 5:1 with Mt 5: 12-15, Mk 1:1-8, Lk 3:1-18

Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  This verse echoes in my mind with another closely worded text from John 8:36, “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”  

In these weeks leading up to the Lent season, and a walk toward Passion Week, we are taking a look at what the Bible has to say about freedom.  This theme of freedom dovetails well with our months-long focus now on the integration of God’s will and our will.  And this Sunday, the intersection of these themes are embodied powerfully in forgiveness.  

Forgiveness may be the most essential quality of imaging God.  Forgiveness may be the greatest avenue for experiencing freedom.  Forgiveness received and forgiveness given may be the most powerful change agent for good the world has ever known.  Forgiveness may be the hardest thing we ever do… but well worth the receiving and giving. 

Forgiveness isn’t easy to understand… so many questions.  Is it unconditional or conditional?  Does forgive mean forget?  How do justice and forgiveness meet?  These are only a few questions.  Yet, on the other side of forgiveness is freedom.  

How do you understand forgiveness?  Can you describe it with a one word synonym or adjective, or a simple phrase?  What about unforgiveness?  As you reflect in preparation for Sunday about forgiveness, come ready to share your descriptive characterization of forgiveness.    

Our texts for Sunday are from Galatians 5:1, John 8:36, Matthew 6:9-15, Mark 2:6,10, Colossians 3:13, and Psalm 103. 

Did you know that all the sciences reveal that forgiveness is very good for your overall health?  Makes sense to me.  It’s God’s design for our well-being – take a good look at Jesus.  God made a way of forgiveness so that might be well – very well.   

See you Sunday,
    Mark Quist