Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Life together

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Matthew 18:33-35
Speaking to his disciples, Jesus finishes a parable about the kingdom of Heaven. "Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you? Then in anger his master handed (you) over to the tormentors until (you) should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030513.cfm

The tormentors wait just inside my skin. Forgiveness might be elusive, but the poison of bitterness seems to be on call 24-7. When my first inclination is to protect myself, as it often is, I don't forgive. I strike back.

Jesus' new standard of non-violence doesn't allow me to keep this familiar habit, even internally. But Jesus also shows me how. God's forgiveness for ME is unconditional. He is even patient with my unforgiveness, but I must accept it! That is only possible when I abandon myself to him and stop trying to do this impossible thing of protecting myself.

In his email devotion yesterday, Henri Nouwen wrote precisely of the solution to this problem: "When our broken love is the only love we can have, we are easily thrown into despair, but when we can live our broken love as a partial reflection of God's perfect, unconditional love, we can forgive one another our limitations and enjoy together the love we have to offer."

That is the best we can do. Nouwen calls this "the spiritual life." It might start with rosaries or memorizing Scripture, but it ends with learning how to be with one another.

This, too, sounds like Lesson #1 in loving.

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel its mighty power, and its grace. I can hear the brush of angels' wings, I see glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. Oh, Lord, let us sing to you and to each other, be loved and be loving.

Devotions Archive

Life together

Tuesday, March 5, 2013