Wed, July 24

Yesterday, in our exploration of Jesus’ teaching on prayer (Luke 11:1-13), we discussed “give us each day our daily bread…”  That phrase is followed by an “And…” indicating a connection.And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.

This is another thing we need from God daily – forgiveness. A pastor I know used to say, “Keep your accounts with God short – settle up often.”  Forgiveness is release from the things we do, think and say that put distance between us and other people, us and creation, us and our selves, us and God.

Our Genesis creation story gives us an image of humanity in perfect harmony within all those relationships. Our story of “first rebellion,” shows a breakdown in all those relationships. Forgiveness repairs the breaches caused by our natural inclination to get what we want – something all of us feel at least occasionally, right? Daily repentance, coming before our loving God , true about who we are, invites a daily renewal of harmony within and without.

But this clause, connected to what comes before, is also connected to what comes next: “…for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.” The way of following Jesus involves a constant laying down of our rights where we’ve been wronged. Usually, if we need to forgive someone who’s done us damage, we’re in the right. So why the heck should we have to release them from their obligation to right the wrong? Forgiveness involves our “giving for” the one who owes us. What’s that about?

Well, among other things, it’s about freedom. The long view shows us that it costs us more to hang onto to those “IOUs” than to settle up. It costs us in anger, heartache, blood pressure, lost relationships, illness, anxiety… all kinds of ways. It diverts us from our purpose in God’s life.

Today, take a moment bring to mind an area where your self-orientation has led to separation with God or another person or your own true self.

Ask for forgiveness – and receive that gift. Don’t leave God hanging.

And then turn it around to “pay it forward” to someone who has hurt you in some way. They may not even have a clue – it might even be a national figure, someone you don’t even know… I can think of plenty of people in the news!

And then hold that person in your mind’s eye, and invite GOD to forgive them if you’re not ready to do it. Ask God to bless that person in huge measure – because someone blessed by God is a lot less likely to go around hurting other people.

We are blessed to be a blessing – every day. Let’s spread it around!