“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
This past Sunday was Mother’s Day. It is an important day as we celebrate the women who have shown such great love to each of us. Mother’s Day officially began in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law. The roots of Mother’s Day began in the 1800’s when Anna Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe both organized clubs to help mothers. During the Civil War, these clubs would help bring reconciliation to the nation. The nation’s moms helped to bring about peace and forgiveness after one of the bloodiest wars in history.
Mother’s Day helped me think about my own mother. My mom passed away 9 years ago. I miss her every day, but especially on days like Mother’s Day. Although she is in heaven now, I found time to remember and give thanks for the wonderful gifts she left behind. Of the many things my mom taught me, I am grateful for the example she set when it comes to forgiveness. My mom taught me that being connected to people is much more important than holding a grudge. My mom lived a wonderful and full life, but there were times when people hurt her. Repeatedly, she forgave and moved on. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized the strength it took for my mom to live in such a way. I am thankful that she showed me the importance of forgiving others.
At the core of our faith is forgiveness. When Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive, Jesus said, “Seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22) When Jesus was asked to teach us how to pray, he included the request, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) The ultimate example of this element of our faith is when Jesus was on the cross and he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Jesus taught us and showed us that we are to forgive, just as God has forgiven us.
When we hold on to pain, grudges, and bitterness, we hold ourselves in a terrible state of existence. When we forgive, we allow both the person we are forgiving and ourselves to move on. I am so thankful for the example my mother showed me throughout her life. She taught me how to forgive. I am thankful for mothers like Julia Ward Howe and Anna Reeves Jarvis whose love helped to heal a broken country. Most importantly, I am thankful for the forgiveness that God has given each of us. It is love and forgiveness that sets each of us free to live a full and blessed life.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
