Called to Love and Forgive
Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Erica Andersen
Scripture: Genesis 45:3-15; Luke 6:27-38
Jesus’ words in Luke 6 are among the hardest to live out: Love your enemies. Pray for those who abuse you. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. These commands go against everything the world tells us about justice, fairness, and self-preservation. They are difficult to hear and even harder to practice.
But Jesus doesn’t give us these commands as mere rules to follow. He invites us into transformation—into becoming the people God created us to be. This transformation is not instantaneous. It is often slow, painful, and filled with moments of struggle, just as it was for Joseph in the book of Genesis, who had every reason to hate his brothers but instead allowed God to shape his heart toward mercy.
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring wrongdoing, nor does it happen overnight. It begins with bringing our pain, anger, and grief before God—sometimes through tears, sometimes through honest, raw prayers, just as we see in the Psalms. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are reshaped, not by the world’s standards, but by the love and mercy of God.
As we surrender to this transformation, something incredible happens: we become vessels of God’s healing in a broken world. The more we are shaped by Christ’s love, the more that love shines through us, offering hope to others. This is not just about our own healing—it is about becoming instruments of God’s peace.
Reflection Questions
What wounds in your life do you need to bring before God for healing?
Where is God calling you to take a step toward forgiveness, even if it’s just through an honest prayer?
How has God used someone else’s faithfulness and mercy to reveal his love to you?
What would it look like for you to embody Christ’s love, even in difficult relationships?
How can you trust the Holy Spirit to transform you over time, making you more like Christ?
