Blessings and joy to you
In response to this segment of The Prayer on forgiveness, someone commented that inability to forgive can often be attributed to “damaged” pride. They may be right. But there may also be other factors. What do you think motivated; rather triggers the approach of the major players in international politics? Pride, unforgiveness, power- hungry … What?
Here’s today’s nougat
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil from your perspective; so that you are right in accusing me and justified in passing sentence. Ps 51.
This is a very weird verse. According to tradition, David has impregnated Bathsheba, killed her husband and moved her into his home among his other wives. Yet, having been confronted with his wrong, David’s confession to God seems to accept no responsibility for wronging the dead man, nor remorse to Israel.
Does that justify our opting to assume forgiveness from our human counterparts when we have wronged others; seeking only to appease God? Is it that David had already killed Uriah, and so didn’t need to ask forgiveness from others – including Bathsheba and the other members of Uriah’s family?
I believe that when we intentionally offend others, it is a stench to God. We need therefore to acknowledge our wrong to God, recognising that this is part of our sin nature (cf v 5 – I was born in sin…), which is somewhat different to our transgressions.
Under that context, we sin only against God, who knows our hearts and motives; but we also need to acknowledge that we have wronged, possibly even hurt others. At that juncture, we not only need to find the strength of character to confess to God but we also ought to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Probably before we even contemplate the rest of the prayer. Ouch! Definitely before returning to church/temple tho offer tithes to God.
So we crave forgiveness from God, we offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us (apology or not); AND we seek forgiveness from those we have wronged.
Forgive us … as we seek forgiveness … as we forgive … Amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
