1001 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia PA 19147
(215) 336-1444, welcome@emanuel-lutheran.org
Cornelius D. Eaddy, Pastor

A Lesson in Forgiveness
A Sermon by Cornelius D. Eaddy

Last week I inadvertently went into this week's lesson. But that's all right. This week, Matthew's Gospel focuses once again on something we must do as Christians if we are to be successful in life. Look at the familiar parable of the unforgiving servant: You may remember that I told you last week of my student -- former student -- who actually kept a tally of the number of times she had to actually forgive one of her classmates. You remember I said that she took the seventy times seven literally and that she was going to forgive up unto that point only.

When you think about life -- the Christian life and the things we are called to do -- forgiving has to be rated as one of the most difficult things to do. Oh, come on, now. I know we are all children of God -- saved -- Baptized -- ready for the Battle -- and because God has commanded us to forgive, that it ain't so hard. But let's be real for a minute. Can we be real for a minute...? There are some folk here today who have certain relationships that are strained in life today because they have not FORGIVEN.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not pointing the finger. I'm just trying to bring though life the reality of how hard forgiving can be. Anybody here still carrying some wounds from something that somebody once did or said?

Anybody here been carrying some stuff for over ten, fifteen, twenty-five years?...stuff that just thinking about it makes it seem like it's happening all over again?

Anybody here been wanting forgiveness for something they did? Forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary ministries of the church.

The fifth petition of the Lord's Prayer says: Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors. What does this mean? Well, the Small Catechism tells us that we pray in this petition that our heavenly father may not look upon our sins and on their account deny our prayers . For we neither merit nor deserve the things for which we pray. Although we sin daily and deserve nothing but punishment, we nevertheless pray that God may grant us all things by his grace. And, assuredly, we on our part will heartily forgive and cheerfully do good to those who may sin against us. We need to forgive and do good to those who have sinned against us. That's hard. "You mean, not only do I have to forgive but I almost gotta forget?" Yes, and I know that that is very difficult to do.

There is a game that comes on TV called Forgive or Forget. I'm not sure of the time on the network but it is a game that pulls at the very heart of all who watch because it involves the act of forgiveness. It is hosted...well, instead of me taking so much, let's step on in on one of the shows....

"Hello, I am Brother Love. I am your host for today's show. For those of you who are new to our show, let me explain the rules. We invite people on our show are have done something that they need forgiveness for. After they tell there story we walk them over to the door. Now, if the person they are seeking forgiveness from forgives them they will be behind the door. If they don't forgive them, then they won't. Let me caution you. There are no guarantees that the person is going to show up and this can be quite painful. Now on with the show...Contestant Number One, please introduce yourself."

"Hello, Brother Love, my name is Hugh."

"Hello Hugh . Do you have a last name?"

"Yes, I do. It is Mankind."

"Hello, Hugh Mankind. Welcome to our show. Tell us your story."

"Well, Brother Love.....I had a friend who was very, very good to me. This friend put me up in a wonderful home, introduced me to a wonderful lady, provided for all my daily needs. But I was disobedient. Didn't want to follow the game plan. And I eventually got evicted out of my home........I thought I lost my friend then, but that really didn't matter. I even helped to cause great harm to my friend, causing him almost the loss of life, My friend forgave me for that. Even still I am mean. I lie. I cheat, I consistently go against all that he has done for me and all that he has taught me. He has forgiven me several times but each time I go back and do something else. I just don't know if my friend will forgive me one more time because I need my friend. I can't make it without him."

"Well, Hugh, it sounds like you have done and are still doing a lot of wrong. If there ever was a friend that had a cause not to be there your friend has one. Well Hugh, Lets see if your friend shows up. Remember there are no guarantees. Well, Hugh Mankind's friend, show yourself......

"Well, Hugh I don't think....Wait a minute .tell me your friend's name."

"His name is Jesus..."

"Well, Hugh Mankind, I've got some good news for ya. He's here..He's been here all the time, I see Him in the waters of Baptism... Do I have any witnesses?... I see Him in the breaking of bread and the pouring of wine..,I hear Him in the voices of all who are gathered here today ...I see Him in their lives. I feel His presence in this very place. He says he loves you, He forgives you forever and ever, He says, 'behold I stand at the door and knock, if any one hears me and let's me in I will sup with him and he with me.'"