February 24, 2022

It is not lost on me that in the week where we heard so directly about forgiveness and mercy and looking to our neighbor with love and compassion, the world is reeling from violence as Russia conducts a military operation in Ukraine.

Last Sunday, I quoted author and pastor Rob Bell, “Forgiveness is setting someone free, and then realizing it’s you.”

Jesus continues his sermon on the level place (Luke 6:27-38) urging his followers to be merciful just as God is merciful, choosing kindness over retaliation, forgiveness over vengeance, love and justice over perpetuating oppression and harm.

My hope and prayer today is one that is simple, yet nonetheless powerful: may each of us know and feel and receive the power of mercy and compassion and forgiveness so that all of us when we act collectively do so for the sake of our neighbor, striving for justice and peace, refraining from violence, rooted in love. For then we will realize that forgiveness sets us free.

For then we can continue on until the day of the Lord when swords are beaten into plowshares and when violence and war are taught no longer and each of us knows the loving presence of God inscribed upon our hearts.

Rest in the grace and peace and love and life of God with you.

Blessings,
Pastor Drew