Daily Devotion for Lent 2021 - Day 29

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 2

Here we see the maturity of Paul even in the midst of his insecurity.  Whenever we have conflict with others, it may be that we want to cut off emotionally from them.  It is easier to write them off and justify our (possibly hostile) responses to them as deserved.

This comes out of a "there's plenty of fish in the sea" mentality.  Another way of thinking about this is, "life's too short to spend time with jerks."  

But as we come from a resurrection faith that prides itself on reconciliation, Paul understands this as key to his mission.  And so, he doesn't cover over the "painful visit" and the damage done.  He recognizes it and bids those who were damaged by the conflict to forgive the perpetrator.  This is not necessarily easy for them to do because, unlike Paul, they were living with this person.  What if he does it again?

But as we see a different kind of community in Christ where sins do not disqualify one from participation, Paul writes in verse eight, "So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him."

For the Christian, it is important for us to see forgiveness as a tool of resurrection faith.  Practical mercy is in fact the epitome of resurrection.  The relationship under conflict may have indeed died.  As I forgive, the relationship may spring up into new life.

This idea of giving wings to our faith has been lifted up for centuries prior to Paul by the prophets and he continues in this important tradition.  He concludes the chapter by reminding us "we are not peddlers of God's word" but "in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence."

We bring the presence of God when we offer forgiveness.  This idea reminds me of Jacob's words to his brother Esau after Esau graciously received Jacob in Genesis 33:10, "for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God—since you have received me with such favor."

How can we embody the presence of God?  How do we overcome the pain of conflict and offer forgiveness?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, we have been wounded by strangers and friends alike.  Help us not to see ourselves as weak and put upon but tough and hardy.   It is in Christ that we can find strength to offer forgiveness.  Let the healing that comes from this forgiveness touch us and touch the offender.  May it be transforming so that we experience resurrection here and now.  In the name of Jesus, who forgave those who harmed him, we pray.  Amen. 

Photo by Olivia Steele via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.

All scripture quoted is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.