As we approach Ash Wednesday (March 2) and prepare to enter the season leading to Easter, we typically think of a few things: humility, self-reflection/introspection, and our need to be restored.
Lent is all about sacrifice and preparing ourselves for new hope, new life, and new growth in Jesus!
One practice of Lent is to give up something for the 7 weeks leading up to Easter. In this time, we recognize our weakness in the flesh as we find our body/mind craving and desiring the thing we’ve sacrificed. We also recognize the great sacrifice of Jesus who gave up his life so that we might find ours. (Start thinking about what you might give up during this season, starting March 2.)
Although we’re not there yet, we’re beginning to set ourselves up for a time of action. Today, I want to present a thought on forgiveness!
A quick Google search generated a list of over 100 songs about revenge. Some are explicitly hostile, and others are much more subtle. Every human has felt the need to get even, to settle the score. It’s quite normal. But why is letting something go, giving grace, and extending pardon so hard?
I think it is because we have such a great need for identity, finding a place of value, and owning a stake in this world. This is what Richard Rohr calls the ‘first half of life’ which is a completely necessary work according to Rohr. But it is when we get stuck here and never move to the second half of life that revenge becomes the currency of self-preservation leading to a life of dissatisfaction, loneliness, and brokenness.
I don’t think many Christians and non-Christians would argue that peace among humankind is the best way to live. Even if people don’t agree on any specific thing, the most natural state of existence is at minimum, cordial.
The infamous Marcus Aurelius had this to say regarding getting even. He said, “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
Although Aurelius was not of Christian faith, he and Jesus aligned somewhat in their understanding that holding resentment and getting even is a death sentence for the prisoner of self, me.
Jesus taught those willing to listen a better way to live.
In Luke 6, the author tells that Jesus CAME DOWN and STOOD on LEVEL GROUND then started teaching after a bunch of healing and restorative work. I love that the image indicates the humility and relatability of Jesus. It’s as if before he even said a word here, he wanted to create space for community and connection.
Then, in his teaching, he spelled out secrets to a better life. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,bless those who curse you, pray for the ones who mistreat you.To the one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from the one who takes your cloak, do not hold back your shirt. Give to every one who asks you; and whoever takes something of yours, make no demands upon him” (Luke 6:27-30).
This is not JUST about forgiving. It is a life of generosity and grace. Forgiving is ABOUT wholeness of life amidst a greater list of living life with others.
A prayer I often pray is from a story about a man who seemed to have missed the message of Jesus because his focus was on things of this life, who was stuck in the first half of life Luke (18:18-23). Lord, is there anything I lack to experiencing the fullness of your kingdom.
So, as difficult as it may seem, and as counter intuitive as it is, I pray that the Holy Spirit would speak to you about your ‘lacking’ so that you may find a fuller life as Jesus came to bring you. Love universally, Give generously, and Forgive often….BE HUMAN!
#GetCheeky
#LentenLove
#RestoringWholenessOfLife
Brett
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