Forgiveness Is Not Optional

What goes around comes around.

We reap what we sow.

If we live to build people up and restore relationships, we will be blessed with the same. If we live to punish offenders we will be cursed with a bitter heart, unable to fully give or receive love. This is why, for Jesus, the most critical part of being church depends on forgiveness. Only forgiveness unlocks God’s love. Unforgiveness doesn’t just block divine love, it feeds toxic hatred. What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow.

Forgiveness is not dismissing or condoning or minimizing the harm done. Consequences of harm done cannot be erased, even by forgiveness, until repentance and restitution take place. Forgiveness to Jesus means releasing the sinner from our need to punish, so hearts don’t harden with bitterness, and our souls are free to carry on in peace and let love do its best. That’s why Jesus made such a big deal about forgiving each other in the church, as many times as necessary. The church can only be healthy and grow if it has more love than bitterness. What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow.

Jesus knows we are all sinners in need of forgiveness sooner or later. Jesus freely forgave all who were repentant. If the forgiven one refuses to forgive in turn, or to give mercy to another once received, they will suffer the great consequence of being spiritually and emotionally tortured until they repent. What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow.

Who among us has not treasured the freedom of receiving mercy? Maybe it was a moment we realized God really does forgive us, so we can forgive ourselves. Maybe it was forgiveness and mercy received when someone chose the high road and pulled us out of a ditch. We have been given great power by Jesus Christ make a difference in this world with mercy and forgiveness. Our gratitude for having received makes it possible to give in kind. What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow.

This parish has done a lot of work on forgiveness. We can see the fruit of letting go and letting God with a free heart in the blessings posted on the narthex bulletin board. This is what we are celebrating today on our Annual Homecoming Day: The blessings of God’s abundant mercy, grace, and love. It is what makes healthy relationships possible. It is what makes vital ministries possible. What goes around, comes around. We reap what we sow.

Looking for peace of mind? Try forgiveness. Looking for restored relationships? Practice forgiveness and mercy.  Looking for a healthy vibrant faith community? Model forgiveness and mercy by example. God knows we have plenty of opportunities to practice! Let’s keep practicing and helping each other to learn, share and grow in mercy, forgiveness and new life.  

Amen.