For our time together, I have an interesting tea blend for us called Pumping Pomegranate, it contains the tastes found in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul; hibiscus, rosehip, spices, apple & elderberries.
We are going to reflect upon a difficult but essential topic as we sip this interesting blend today.
I thought in keeping with the travel theme of the middle east, we would have some delicious dates, almonds, dried apricots all from Turkey with gf orange blossom & fig cookies.
Now we are enjoying these delights, let us begin our reflection…
Have you ever had to forgive the unthinkable?
I realise that question may raise some queries at to what exactly unthinkable or maybe another way of putting it would be unforgivable means.
It really can be defined as; any action that is so great that it can be classified as unforgivable or unthinkable to the one on the receiving end of that action.
And I do understand, truly I do, that to forgive an action that is classified as unforgivable is no easy or light task to even contemplate, let alone do!
Why do I understand?
Because I too have had to come to that place in forgiving a medical professional whose actions caused the death of my only son, Benjamin. Which I shared in The truth behind the mask.
However, forgiveness, isn’t a one time event, is it!
For in our exegetical dig into The Lord’s Prayer, we have come to the verse that highlights this very topic.
Let’s look at the entire prayer first to get this verse in context;
Our Father who is in Heaven,
Holy is your name,
Your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven,
Provide for us today our daily needs,
And forgive us our transgressions,
as we forgive others their transgressions against us,
Help us not to stray into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
Amen.
Matthew 6: 9-13
However, there’s an initial part to that verse isn’t there, ‘And forgive us our transgressions, as we forgive others…’ Jesus is teaching us an important principle here which we will examine today.
Isn’t it just Semantics?
In translating this verse in the intervening years from the original Aramaic that Jesus spoke, into Greek. Then into the English versions, various words have been used in what we are asking forgiveness for & forgiving; debts, sins, trespasses, offenses & transgressions are some.
However, I always like to go back to the original source for the true context & meaning. The Aramaic word that Jesus used here is;
‘ḥōb,
which means a debt owed…a moral debt.’
- to keep short accounts with our heavenly Father for our daily actions, thoughts & behaviors that have not glorified Him.
- And to forgive the moral debt of another’s actions toward us that have hurt us in some way!
The next in this series is Aliens Amongst Us…Really? →
← Sustenance in the Wilderness the previous
© 2021 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com
i4give day was a beautiful reminder. A day to reflect on our lives to ensure to loosened the chains that have placed others in bondage. Great post
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Thank you Brenda! Yes, only God’s love & strength can enable us to forgive which in turn releases chains of bondage for all involved 😀
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What a powerful story and example this family has left for us all. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. You give us all a great deal to think and rethink as we consider what this command to forgive who are “moral debtors” in our lives.
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Thank you Pam, I was greatly inspired by this family who are publicly living out their faith in the face of such tragedy.
It really is food for thought for all of us when we go back to Christ’s original meaning here…
Lovely having you drop by 😀
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So beautiful, Jennifer. I love the way you emphasized those words, forgiveness is ongoing, as we forgive. There are things that are so hard, and the hurt comes back up in our hearts long after we thought we had forgiven. I am so thankful that the grace of Jesus is right there to help us forgive again. Blessings and grace to you dear friend.
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Thank you Bettie! Yes, God’s love & strength is new every morning & in that we can take comfort sweet friend 😀
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Wow. I salute your bravery and show up of what love is by forgiving. You inspire me.
Thanks for sharing this and also got to know about the I4give day. 😊
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Thank you Herry! I’m delighted you found inspiration here today! 😀
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Glad too. 🤗
Do have a blessed weekend, ma’am. 😊
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You too Herry! 😀
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I4give day is beautiful!! When I don’t forgive, I am held in bondage. To forgive as these parents did is the ultimate example of Christ likeness. So much to ponder, thank you Jennifer♥️
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They’re very inspiring in their living example Pam…this story impacted me greatly. Blessings sweet friend! ♥
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What a beautiful example of grace and forgiveness. I read this with tears in my eyes Jennifer. So often, we think forgiveness is a feeling, but it’s really a choice, and often one we have to make over and over. Thank you for reminding us of its importance.
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I had the same reaction Terri. This story deeply touched my heart & I found their example very moving & inspiring. Bless you sweet friend 😀
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Jennifer, such an impactful post. I have struggled with forgiveness of injustice too, and acknowledge the difficulty. Yet at the same time as you so skillfully pointed out the ramifications of not forgiving are much worse. Indeed forgiveness is a gift both to the offended and the offender. What a wonderful concept i4GiveDay is, I wish we had something in our country like that! Thank you do much for this post!
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Thank you Donna, forgiveness is so important for all concerned.
Yes, I was truly inspired by this couple & was delighted when i4give day was on the news, such an amazing testimony & witness they’re having here. 😀
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I did read about the death of your dear son, Jennifer. My sympathies to you and your family. You are so right – forgiveness is a choice we must make over and over again. I look to my Amish neighbors for wonderful examples of forgiveness. They forgive immediately and completely, even the most “unforgivable” actions. Forgiving frees both the person who has transgressed and the person who forgives.
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Thank you Laurie, I was truly inspired by this couple who have lost three beautiful children in one go in such tragic circumstances & yet the love & forgiveness of Christ instantly shone through.
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It is pretty hard to forgive the people who hurt us on purpose.
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Yes, I agree kmommy, forgiveness is never easy. But it’s necessary for us to be able to move forward from that hurt & be free from the resentment that binds us to the perpetrator & the circumstances surrounding that pain & hurt.
Personally, that’s why I need God’s strength & grace in forgiving & Jesus knew this. That’s why He included this important point in His teaching on prayer. He knew to forgive is a choice for us & that we would need God’s help to follow through with that forgiveness.
Lovely to have you join me in a cuppa today 😀
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That is such a sad story about the children who were killed, but what an amazing and beautiful response from the family to turn the legacy of that tragic day into something so positive and full of hope!
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It really has been an amazing witness to all here, God’s love & strength shining through such tragic circumstances.
Lovely having you join me here today Lesley 😀
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Oh my, Jennifer. Almost beyond understanding. xo
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Bless you
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I hope that i4Give Day spreads to the U.S. What a lovely thing! But what a horrible event that led up to it. And wow, you definitely have had to do major forgiving. I didn’t know that story about your son. I am so sorry to hear it. 😦
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Thank you Lisa.
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