The Gift of Forgiveness
by Mark Hayes, President of Ministry
Two things came to mind when we celebrate Founder’s Day at The Lutheran Home Association on Nov. 6.
- First, what a kind and wonderful thing Sophie did when she donated all she had to take care of others who had nowhere else to go.
- Second, I wonder if she had any idea how many lives she would touch through that act of kindness.
A kind word and a smile can change the course of someone’s day. A listening ear and encouragement make people feel valued and respected.
God offers us an incredible way to make a huge difference in the lives of the people around us every day, but it’s one of the hardest things to do. It’s incredibly hard to forgive.
Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Kindness and compassion are much easier to offer to someone who is kind and compassionate back to you. Forgiveness, though, is the ability to absorb the pain of being wronged and be kind to those who haven’t been kind to you.
I’ll never forget my wife’s wise words when I was complaining about someone not appreciating the time I had invested in that individual. “Help others because it’s the right thing to do. Don’t expect a fruit basket in return.”
Sophie’s act of kindness has allowed The Lutheran Home Association to serve thousands of people over the course of 123 years. Many of them have appreciated the care. Some of them have not. When it comes to forgiving those who have wronged us or those who have failed to appreciate our kindness, God pinpoints the true motivation behind for forgiveness and service to others. “Just as in Christ, God forgave you.”
At the heart of Sophie’s gift was setting up a care setting that shares and celebrates God’s compassion and forgiveness. Not one of us is worthy of God’s forgiveness. But He gives it to us freely because of the payment Jesus made. Now, we freely share it with others.
Prayer: Dear Savior, you willingly stepped in front of me and took my punishment. You are compassionate to me even though I am often unappreciative. As you have forgiven and loved me, help me to pay your forgiveness forward regardless of other people’s responses. Place confidence in my heart that when I serve others, I am truly serving you. In your name I pray this. Amen.