25.03.25 Luke 17:1-10

Prepare

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us! Heal our wounds, give us sight, and gift us with faith in you afresh.

Read

Luke 17:1-10

Reflect

I have often needed forgiveness from those around me. I can be chaotic at times. Whether in disorganisation, stubbornness, pride, misunderstanding, negligence, ignorance, or even purely accidental, I have not said things and done things (or have done in some cases!) that have caused a problem for others. I am blessed that many around me have loved me through their forgiveness. They have not pretended my mistakes are ok, but helped me to acknowledge what happened, and in their love, they have not held it against me.

At its heart this is true forgiveness: to know that we have been wronged, but to love the person nevertheless. True forgiveness is challenging! I think that is why the disciples cry out ‘Increase our faith!’ when Jesus tells them to forgive those who repent again and again and again. We need faith to forgive! Firstly, to understand the true nature of forgiveness, shown to us by God’s grace Christ. Secondly, to trust that we are able to forgive because God judges not us. When we forgive, we are trusting God as judge, not trying to do the job ourselves.  

Be

Shall we take a moment reminding ourselves of the love and forgiveness we have received in Jesus?

Romans 5:8 – "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

1 John 4:9-10 – "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

Ephesians 2:4-5 – "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

Become

Let’s pray that God would give us the strength and love to forgive like he does.

Is there anyone that you need to forgive? I know it can be difficult so let’s try and forgive them now and pray for them.

Do

Repentance involves a willingness to change as well as a remorse for what we’ve done. But change can be hard! Shall we pray for firstly ourselves, and also for others that God might help them change.

Practice

We are unworthy servants, but we rejoice in God’s love for us. Let’s continue to live a life of praise in the glow of God’s love for us.