Thursday, May 19, 2016

Daily Meditation: The Unfinished Business of Forgiveness


DAILY MEDITATION

The Unfinished Business of Forgiveness
May 19
Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com
What makes us cling to life even when it is time to "move on"? Is it our unfinished business? Sometimes we cling to life because we have not yet been able to say: "I forgive you, and I ask for your forgiveness." When we have forgiven those who have hurt us and asked forgiveness from those we have hurt, a new freedom emerges. It is the freedom to move on.

When Jesus was dying he prayed for those who had nailed him to the cross: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). That prayer set him free to say, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46).
Henri Nouwen
For further reflection...

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."  Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this against them."  When he had said this, he fell asleep.  And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. - Acts 7: 59-60; 8:1 (NIV)
Your response...

Have you experienced the new freedom that forgiveness brings? Comment on this Daily Meditation.
Continue the Inspiration

Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "The Return of the Prodigal Son".
 
Visit our Bookstore:
United States | Canada | United Kingdom
Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
Way of the Heart Conference is coming June 9-11. Book your tickets now!
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:
Forward This Email to a Friend


This email was sent to cbgamb@gmail.com by email_lists@henrinouwen.org |  
Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe| About our service provider.
Henri Nouwen Society | 95 St. Joseph Street, Room 214 | Toronto | ON | M5S 2R9 | Canada


No comments:

Post a Comment