People of the Resurrection: Set Free to Forgive
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
We are called to be “People of the Resurrection” (This will be imbedded in our sermon themes for the next several weeks in both services). Therefore, we can see the world with “Easter Eyes.” Doing so allows for a new way to experience the world and should be one of the many differences the resurrection makes in our lives.
Frederick Douglas, the remarkable preacher, scholar, abolitionist, and key American Christian voice spoke eloquently about the evils of human bondage. As a former enslaved person, he offered first-hand experiences along with transformational sermons and speeches preaching a biblical vision for a newly liberated future for all. The following is one of his powerful insights when recounting his escape from slavery in Maryland. He describes his feeling upon arriving in Philadelphia as a free man:
A new world had opened upon me … I felt as one might feel upon escape from a den of hungry lions … Anguish and grief, like darkness and rain, may be depicted; but gladness and joy, like the rainbow, defy the skill of pen or pencil.
Jesus describes a similar kind of joyful liberation. And the joy he describes becomes available from a valuable tool in becoming wise: learn not to judge other people. And discover the great gift of forgiveness. Resurrection makes this not only possible, but a natural result of this new reality of hope and power.
Not judging and forgiveness seem like standard, well-known aspects of the Christian faith. Yet, sadly our practice of both is less common than most of us would like to admit. But what an incentive! The kind of joy Jesus describes, “pressed down (for dry goods), shaken together (for soft goods), and running over (for liquids)” conjures an image of glad abundance, of more than we can handle, yet ours still to enjoy.
Such is the power of forgiveness offered to others. Similarly, viewing those around us with hopeful flexibility can be exhilarating. Douglas’ perspective captures this essence: an entire world of faith and possibility is suddenly opened before us. New, beautiful vistas and bold colors of bright freedom become available in a way that, like the rainbow, defies adequate description.
This spring, let us explore the world with Easter Eyes and insights of resurrection. Together, let us find new and better ways of experiencing God’s creation. May your ability to forgive expand; and may your desire to judge decrease. As a result, may your liberation to this new world of freedom that Jesus describes and that Douglass exudes become a new experiment of “gladness and joy.”
PRAY: Lord, liberate me from the wasteful time and energy of judging others. Increase my ability to offer more grace; and let me celebrate the freedom that comes with forgiveness.
David Jordan
Senior Pastor