Daily Meditation: Forgiveness, the Cement of Community Life

DAILY MEDITATION Forgiveness, the Cement of Community Life January 24 Photo courtesy of SDGImagery.com Community is not possible without the willingness to forgive one another "seventy-seven times" (see Matthew 18:22). Forgiveness is the cement of community life. Forgiveness holds us together through good and bad times, and it allows us to grow in mutual love. But what is there to forgive or to ask forgiveness for? As people who have hearts that long for perfect love, we have to forgive one another for not being able to give or receive that perfect love in our everyday lives. Our many needs constantly interfere with our desire to be there for the other unconditionally. Our love is always limited by spoken or unspoken conditions. What needs to be forgiven? We need to forgive one another for not being God! For further reflection... "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful."  - Colossians 3: 13, 15 Your response... Henri says forgiveness takes practice. Imagine if both communities and each of us practiced forgiveness. What could that look like? Comment on this Daily Meditation. Continue the Inspiration Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Home Tonight".   Visit our Bookstore: United States | Canada | United Kingdom Join us for the Lent 2016 discussion of Henri Nouwen's book "In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership". Visit our new website for inspiration, resources, news, events, community. LEARN MORE Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo. STAY CONNECTED:

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