Meditation: Forgiveness

One recurring theme in Jesus' teaching on prayer is the centrality of forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14 (immediately followiong the Lord's Prayer) Jesus says, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This also comes up in the parable of the unforgiving servant (who owes millions but mercilessly demands thousands from his debtor).

There are two key characteristics of God's behavior: justice and mercy. Our human tendency is to beg for mercy and to demand justice upon those who injure us. Look at the psalms (Have mercy on me o Lord in your kindness and compassion... Do not forget those who harm me and visit upon them punishment). This is some of the fuel which keeps conflicts alive and energized. We overestimate the harm done to us and underestimate the harm we do. Jesus indicates that this is a deadly (i.e., mortal) sin. Clearly, in places, Jesus makes our acts of mercy the criteria for receiving God's mercy. He says we will receive in the same measure that we give. He makes clear that our treatment of others impacts God's treatment of us.

In a treatise on prayer, effective prayer, it is fundamental to emphasize this point. The work of mercy, the work of forgiveness, is foundational in prayer. As important as faith is, forgiveness is arguably just as important. Perhaps it is the measure of faith? Perhaps the act of really trusting the Lord is the key to unlock our own capacity for mercy?

In light of that, it is vital that we periodically make a list of those who have harmed us and pray for them. Pray love and grace on them. Pray peace and joy on them. Now, clearly, we cannot do this easily. But an awareness of our own sinfulness should make it less of a challenge. Sometimes we are psychologically not ready, the wound is too fresh, too deep. That is normal. It is part of life. But, only a forgiving heart can encounter God. We can never assume the pain we endure is greater than the pain God endures. And we can never underestimate the importance of forgiveness as an act of spiritual discipline and prayerfulness.

I will investigate this a bit more tomorrow...