Forgiveness
is at the heart of everything that Jesus Christ preached and did. From the cross
  he pleaded “forgive them they know not what they
do!”


Forgiveness
is the beginning, the middle and the end of our gospel life. It is the energy of
  being forgiven that first buoys us up. It is the experience of being forgiven
  (when we didn’t even think we needed it) that renews our flagging spirit. It is
  profound forgiveness that becomes God’s providence and mercy at the
end.


Zechariah
spoke well when he said that God would “give his people the knowledge of
salvation through the forgiveness of sin” (Luke 1:77) Therefore, it is as
important to give forgiveness as it is to receive it. On both sides of the
equation, you know you are enjoying a life and power that is not your own.
Forgiveness given (unearned) and forgiveness received (also unearned) are always
the pure work of God’s grace.


Forgiveness
is the supreme sign of God’s love. Forgiveness was central to God’s creation,
and is essential in the recreation of all things, even our church.



Therefore,
forgiveness must be at the core of our church’s life and mission. For nothing
new will happen in the life of our church without forgiveness – we will not
grow, we will not minister to ourselves and others, and surely we will not walk
on the same path as our Lord and Savior. And in the end our church will die.