Sermon No. 3

Shane A. Saylor,

Minister

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

~ Colossians 3:13, KJV

Today, I am talking about not just healing, but healing and forgiveness. I am not

talking about physical healing, but emotional, interpersonal healing. Forgiveness is a state of grace that can be hard to reach. Or achieve. Forgiveness is not just tied to our emotions only, but to our very souls!

There are times when we cannot find the words to ask forgiveness. Sometimes

we must rely on actions, or good deeds. This can be done by donating blood, or bone marrow or caring for another’s child or children or a beloved pet while that person is in the hospital or away attending to a sick or dying family member.

But. Despite what they have done, it can be easy, or incredibly hard to forgive

ones own kin (family). Once have sought forgiveness from our friends and/or family, only then can we heal. But healing can only begin when forgiveness is given. But, forgiveness is like communication. It is a two-way street between the parties or individuals involved.

And yet, we must become the bigger person to apologize first. While it can be a difficult choice to admit wrong-doing, it shows responsibility on your part. And it may give the other person the courage to do the same.

Yet, sometimes words can be the catalyst for forgiveness which then triggers the healing. Those words are “I am sorry “or “I’m sorry”. And with those words the healing can begin. Sometimes the healing is accompanied by tears.

Now, turn to those around you and apologize to them, even if they have not wronged you in any way.

With the insert in the program, and recite the prayer printed on it:

Dear Lord, I thank You for the power of forgiveness, and I choose to forgive everyone

who has hurt me. Help me set [name anyone who has offended you] free and release them to You [Romans 12:19]. Help me bless those who have hurt me [Romans 12:14]. Help me walk in righteousness, peace, and joy, demonstrating Your life here on earth. I choose to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others, just as You forgave me [Ephesians 4:32]. In Jesus’ name, amen.

- Debbie Przybylski