By Kenneth Lee
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17 Aug, 2023
Atonement, Healing, and Reconciliation Let's be honest: forgiveness isn’t easy. We’ve all been hurt, betrayed, let down. Maybe it's a family member who let us down at the worst possible time. Perhaps it's a coworker who took credit for your hard work. Or it could be something deeper, more painful that's been a burden for years. Here's where it gets interesting. At the core of our faith is something that seems almost too good to be true. Because of what Jesus did for us, we’re not only forgiven; we’re invited into a lifestyle of forgiveness. I know, I know, it sounds difficult. Almost unnatural. But stick with me. Why Forgiveness? See, forgiveness isn't just a nice idea; it's a command from Jesus Himself. He taught us to forgive others as we've been forgiven. He didn’t say it would be easy, but He did say it would be freeing. Think about what Jesus endured. Take a moment and really consider it. The betrayal by one of His closest friends. The denial by Peter, who swore he would never leave Him. The injustice of His trial, where lies and politics led to a brutal execution. It's overwhelming, isn't it? Yet, His words on the cross were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Just imagine that. He's in pain, He's suffering, He's dying—and He's praying for the very people who put Him there. If anyone had a right to hold a grudge, it was Him. But He chose forgiveness. And here's something even more mind-boggling: Jesus didn't just forgive those who wronged Him that day. His forgiveness reaches beyond that hill, beyond that moment in time. It stretches out to all of us. That's a lot of forgiveness. Because when Jesus died on that cross, He died for all sins—for your sins, for my sins, for the sins of the entire world. For all time. Everywhere. Now, let's break that down because it's too big to take in all at once. It's Personal: Jesus died for you. He knows every mistake you've ever made, every thoughtless word, every selfish act. And He says, "I forgive you." It's Universal: Jesus' death wasn't just for the believers, or the good people, or the ones who try really hard. It was for everyone. That means your neighbor, your coworker, your worst enemy. All forgiven. It's Eternal: This isn't a one-time offer that's going to expire. Jesus' forgiveness is as true today as it was 2,000 years ago, and it will be just as true tomorrow. So what does that mean for us? Well, if we're following Jesus—if we're trying to live like Him—then we have to follow His example. And that means forgiving. Not just the small slights and daily annoyances, but the deep, painful wounds. The ones that seem impossible to heal. But remember, with Jesus, nothing is impossible. He's already done the heavy lifting. He's shown us the way. All we have to do is walk in His footsteps. And I know, it's hard. But when we consider what He's done for us—when we realize the magnitude of His love and forgiveness—how can we do anything less? Now here's the invitation for you and me: to walk in His footsteps. To live a life marked not by bitterness but by grace. To free ourselves from the chains of unforgiveness that keep us bound to the past. Can you imagine what that looks like? It's relationships restored. It's the weight lifted off your shoulders. It's the peace that comes from letting go of that old grudge. It's living with a clear conscience, knowing that you've done what's right, even when it's hard. I won't sugarcoat it. It's not an overnight transformation. It’s a journey, a process. But it’s also an incredible opportunity to experience God’s grace in a way that not only changes us but can change those around us. If we really believe that we're forgiven, completely and utterly forgiven, how can we not extend that same forgiveness to others? Letting Go of Others' Wrongs You know that person who wronged you? The one whose memory makes your blood boil? I think we've all got someone like that in our lives. And it's tough, isn't it? The pain, the anger, the resentment—it can all feel like a burden too heavy to bear. But here's what Jesus says about that. He says, "Let it go." And I know, that sounds too simple, too easy. But it's not about letting them off the hook. It's about setting yourself free. It's like taking a splinter out of your soul. You don't have to carry that pain anymore. Remember when Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive someone? He thought seven times was pretty generous. But Jesus said, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22). And He wasn't just talking about numbers. He was talking about a way of life. So how do we get there? How do we take this radical idea and turn it into reality? Here are some practical steps: 1. Recognize the Need for Forgiveness: It starts with acknowledging the hurt. You can't forgive something you won't admit. 2. Choose to Forgive: It's a decision. Not a feeling. Decide to let go of the desire for revenge, the need to be right. It's hard, but it's worth it. 3. Seek God's Help: Pray about it. Ask God to give you the strength to forgive. Lean into His love and grace. 4. Extend Empathy: Try to see things from their perspective. It doesn't excuse what they did, but it can help you understand. 5. Rebuild if Possible: If it's safe and appropriate, consider rebuilding the relationship. But remember, forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation, especially if there is abuse or violence involved. 6. Repeat as Needed: Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event. It might take 77 times 7 in a day. That's okay. Keep going. I know it's tough. Believe me, I've been there. But forgiveness isn't just a nice idea. It's a command from our Savior. It's a path to freedom, to healing, to a life unburdened by bitterness. And here's the best part: You don't have to do it alone. The same Jesus who commands us to forgive also promises to walk with us every step of the way. He knows what it's like to be wronged, and He's ready to guide us through it. Bigger than Personal Grudges But wait, it gets bigger. It's not just about individuals; it's about systems, institutions. We live in a broken world, and yes, it fails us. Sometimes, it fails us in ways that are almost impossible to comprehend. But holding onto anger? It won't fix anything. Forgiveness can be the first step towards change. You might be sitting there, thinking, "David, you don't know what I've been through. You don't know what the church, what these institutions have done to me." And you're right; I don't know your story. But I know this: bitterness won't heal your pain. Anger won't make things right. Now, let's be clear about something: Forgiving institutions that have hurt you by their negligence is more about releasing yourself from bitterness. You're doing it for your heart, not to release them from accountability. There needs to be justice. There needs to be accountability. But there also needs to be forgiveness. Let's dig into this a little more: The Reality of Institutional Hurt: Sometimes, the very places meant to heal us wound us instead. The church, which is supposed to be a place of love and compassion, can end up hurting people on a deep level. Maybe that's part of your story. And if it is, I'm so sorry. The pain is real, and it's profound. The Necessity of Healing: While you carry around trauma, which has to be healed in time, what you can't carry around is bitterness, anger, and hatred. It's like a poison, eating you up from the inside. It won't change what happened, but it will change you. And not for the better. The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiveness isn't about saying, "It's okay." It's not about excusing or minimizing. It's about letting go of the hold that bitterness has on your soul. It's about choosing a better way, even when it feels impossible. The Pursuit of Justice: Forgiveness doesn't mean we ignore injustice. It doesn't mean we let people off the hook. It means we approach the pursuit of justice with a heart free from hatred. It means we seek what's right without being consumed by what's wrong. Jesus knew all about injustice. He knew all about betrayal. And yet, His response was forgiveness. Not because it was easy, but because it was right. And because it set Him free to love, to heal, to change the world. So maybe today, it's time to take a step. Maybe it's time to choose forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. Maybe it's time to let go of the bitterness and pick up the hope, the healing, the love that Jesus offers. Because here's the truth: The world needs justice. But it also needs grace. It needs accountability. But it also needs forgiveness. And as followers of Jesus, we're called to walk in both. Not because it's easy, but because it's the way of the one who forgave us first. Stop Beating Yourself Up Now, here's a tricky one: forgiving ourselves. We all mess up. We all have regrets. We all have those moments we wish we could take back. But living in guilt? That's not God's plan for you. He's already forgiven you. Maybe it's time you did the same. Let's break it down and take a look at what this means for your life: Recognize Your Humanity: First and foremost, let's just be honest. You're human, and humans make mistakes. We all have those cringe-worthy memories that make us want to hide our face in our hands. The embarrassing moments, the poor decisions, the "what was I thinking?" experiences. That's part of being human. It's how we learn and grow. Forgive Your Younger Self: Now, this is where it gets personal. Think back to those mistakes, those stupid things you've done. Can you forgive your younger self for those? There's no shame in being naive. There's no shame in learning the hard way. Love your inner child. Embrace the growth that came from those experiences. Your past mistakes have shaped you, but they don't define you. Embrace God's Forgiveness: Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. But here's the incredible truth: God has already forgiven you. The Creator of the universe looks at you, with all your flaws and failures, and says, "You are loved. You are forgiven." If God can forgive you, don't you think it's time to forgive yourself? Move Forward with Grace: Forgiving yourself isn't about erasing the past; it's about embracing the future. It's about moving forward without the heavy baggage of guilt and shame. It's about walking in the freedom and joy that God intends for you. And guess what? That's not just possible; it's what you were created for. Extend That Grace to Others: One of the beautiful things about forgiving yourself is that it frees you to extend that same grace to others. When you understand your own need for forgiveness, it becomes a lot easier to forgive the people around you. And in a world that's often harsh and judgmental, that's a breath of fresh air. Here's the bottom line: You don't have to live in guilt and shame. You don't have to be held back by the mistakes of your past. God has a better way for you. And it starts with embracing His forgiveness and extending that forgiveness to yourself. You might be thinking, "David, that's easier said than done." And you're right. Forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, is a journey. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes grace. But it's a journey worth taking. So today, why not take a step? Why not look in the mirror and say to yourself, "I forgive you. I love you. And I'm excited about the future God has for you." It might feel a little awkward at first. It might feel a little scary. But it might also be the start of something beautiful. It might be the start of the life God has always intended for you. “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" Have you ever felt caught in a whirlwind of choices, relationships, and dreams, unsure which path to take? Well, there's a movie out there, "Everything Everywhere All at Once," that paints a fascinating picture of what that can look like. It's a story that resonates with something deep inside all of us, something that echoes with the very fabric of our faith. Picture this: Evelyn, a middle-aged woman, discovers that she can jump between parallel universes. Cool, right? But it's more than just a sci-fi adventure. This ability takes her on a journey across countless choices and what-ifs. It's a lot like life, isn't it? You make a choice, and suddenly, you're down a path you never expected. Now, here's where it gets really interesting. Evelyn learns to fight not with weapons but with empathy, love, and kindness. Sound familiar? It should, because that's exactly what Jesus calls us to do. Remember Romans 8:38-39? Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Not death, not life, not even jumping between universes! What struck me about this film is how it mirrors our own journey with Christ. Evelyn's struggle to accept and forgive her daughter, her desire to be a better version of herself, her realization that love is what truly matters—all of these themes are at the core of our faith. And you know what else? Evelyn's journey isn't just about self-discovery. It's about community, relationships, and reconciliation. It's a story that goes beyond the individual and affects everyone around her. Kind of like the love of Christ, don't you think? So, what can we learn from this incredible story? First, that our choices matter, and they resonate in ways we may never fully grasp. Second, that forgiveness, love, and empathy are powerful forces that can change our world. And most importantly, that God's love for us is so profound, so radical, that it transforms us into something new. Maybe, just maybe, this movie is a reminder that we're all part of something bigger. That we're all connected. That we're all loved by a God who sees us as we truly are and loves us anyway. And that, my friends, is a love worth embracing. Creating a Community Like No Other Imagine a community where forgiveness flows like water. Where people are free from judgment, free from resentment, free to love and be loved. That's not a fantasy; it's the church Jesus envisioned. It's what happens when we live in forgiveness. And it's not just Jesus. The Apostle Paul caught this vision too. He spent letter after letter writing to the first-century churches, imploring them to live in peace with one another. He knew that forgiveness wasn't just a personal thing; it was a community thing. It was the heart and soul of the church. Consider what Paul wrote in Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." He's saying, "Hey, we're all in this together. We all make mistakes. Let's give each other the grace that God has given us." Or what about Ephesians 4:32? "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Again, the message is clear: Forgiveness is not optional. It's essential. It's the glue that holds the community of believers together. Now, let's get practical. What does this look like for us today? Embracing Grace: It starts with embracing the grace that God has given us. When we realize how much we've been forgiven, it becomes a lot easier to extend that forgiveness to others. Letting Go of the Little Things: Sometimes, the biggest obstacles to community are the little annoyances, the petty grievances. Can we let those go? Can we choose peace over perfection? Facing the Big Hurts: And yes, sometimes, there are big hurts. Deep wounds. Those take time and effort to heal. But the journey towards forgiveness is always worth it. Forgiving Systems and Institutions: And as we talked about earlier, it's not just about forgiving individuals. It's about forgiving the systems and institutions that fail us. That's harder, no doubt. But it's a part of the journey. Building Community: Finally, it's about building that community. It's about creating a space where everyone is welcome, where everyone is loved, where everyone is free to be who God created them to be. That's the church Jesus envisioned. That's the church Paul worked so hard to build. And that's the church we're called to be a part of. Who's with me? Because let me tell you, when we do this, we're not just following a set of religious rules. We're joining a movement that has the power to change hearts, to change lives, to change the world.