A truly remarkable lesson in forgiveness, to be heeded
THANK you, Mitch Launspach, for your lovely prayer highlighting President Donald Trump’s many grievous faults. I’m sure the good Lord will heed your supplications, and endeavour to help him change his evil ways, and repent of his many sins.
However, who of us can say we are without sin, and who gives us the right to judge others for theirs? Jesus, while teaching in the temple courts, was confronted by some Pharisees with a woman caught in adultery. The Law of Moses decreed that she should be stoned to death.
The Pharisees asked Jesus’ advice. Jesus replied: “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” When all had meekly left after hearing these words, Jesus said to the woman: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Sir,” she replied. “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now, and leave your life of sin.”
A truly remarkable lesson in forgiveness. One must remember that the Father “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous”. (Mat. 5:45). Thus the Father has love and compassion for sinners and the righteous. St Paul, in Ephesians 4:32, says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Jesus said: “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Mat. 6:15).
Perhaps, we, as ardent followers of the faith, should heed the wise words of Jesus, who, in Luke 6:37, says: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Therefore it behoves us to follow the scriptures and glorify our Father in heaven.
JOHN R WHITLOCK | Benoni