Today’s Reflection
Forgiveness is made possible by the knowledge that human beings cannot offer us what only God can give. Once we have heard the voice calling us the Beloved, accepted the gift of full communion, and claimed the first unconditional love, we can see easily—with the eyes of a repentant heart—how we have demanded of people a love that only God can give. It is the knowledge of that first love that allows us to forgive those who have only a “second” love to offer.
—Henri J. M. Nouwen, in Forgiveness: Perspectives on Making Peace with Your Past, compiled and introduced by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2008)
Today’s Question
What spiritual practice helps you claim God’s unconditional love and accept the limitations of human love? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:38-39 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
(This week’s prayer can be found in Matthew 6:9-13, NIV.)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Buy 2 copies of The Upper Room Disciplines 2022 and bring a friend along as you walk in spiritual wisdom in 2022. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
Accepting scripture where Jesus teaches about forgiveness and Jesus forgiving people make it possible for me to forgive. Jesus forgives even those who crucified Him.
The challenge of decals on the Brill car has met with success. More to do, but not enough time to finish the job before the convention, the model will go as a work in progress.
Off to the convention early tomorrow, back on Sunday Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend, our first in the fall of 2021. Thank You, Lord.
God forgiving those who crucified him. Jesus washing the feet of the one he knew would betray him. He truly loves the flawed. His love is unconditional and surely transcends human love and understanding.
The new A/C is in and we are much more comfortable. Megan spent a good part of the day dumping on me. I do not know what is bothering her but this is how it has always been. When she is angry or frustated about something she takes it out on me. she complained that I did not answer the soft knocking of the workmen yesterday morning and it woke her up. Meanwhile they spent the morning sawing metal and scraping metal over concrete etc and that is not what she said woke her up. The sounds were extremely loud and grating and I just had to accept the criticism. Would welcome any suggestions as I am tired of being everyone’s dog to kick.
Prayers for Ally and David, for better health and improved finances andfor God to assuage Ally’s anger regarding David’s ex. Prayers for Jill and Roger, a thought, at about the same age Tazzie exhhibited identical symptoms and we took him to the vet. He was diagnosed with pancreatitus and put on a special prescription food and fomatadyne (Pepsid). It was an easy fix and he did much better. Prayers for Lou and her family. Prayers for Robert’s safe travel and enjoyable weekend. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and kind words and may God bless all who visit here.
Today’s scripture was my Daddy’s favorite. He transitioned to heaven 26 years ago tomorrow. Been thinking about him a lot today. When my heart is bitter, it is hard for me to look past that. God spoke through Henri Noewen’s words today and through the scripture from Genesis concerning Jacob wrestling with the angel. “I will hold on until you bless me”. God in God’s first love can do what I cannot right now. I ask God to impress upon the heart of David’s ex His love. I ask the same for myself and for David and that we can ask the same good things for her as we do for ourselves. Help us, Lord.
David has a Dr. appointment and I needed some quiet time. It is a beautiful fall day and I’m having tea on our side porch. Beautiful views of late summer flowers and hummingbirds who haven’t yet flown south. A verse from the hymn This Is My Father’s World came to mind:
2 This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
God surely spoke today I’m this place.
Robert, you and Erich remain in my prayers. Thanks to you for your prayers. Enjoy the convention! Jill, many prayers for Roger. I agree with Julie to check out the possibility of pancreatitis. My Kitty Lewis had it several years ago and was pretty sick. Antibiotics and a diet change fixed him up. He eats a food for sensitive stomach and is on Miralax to keep him regular. Our vet said that can contribute to pancreatitis. Praying you get answers and a treatment. Still praying as you adjust to your schedule and for your family dynamics. Thanks for your insight and prayers into the wedding situation.
Julie, prayers for you as you face surgery and for Megan to be kinder; may she find appropriate, healthy ways to manage stress and frustration. Your divorce process remains in my prayers. Thank you for your prayers for us.
I pray that all people will think of others and help bring an end to the pandemic. Lord, we are holding all. Blessings to all.
Recognizing my own faults and asking God to show me what I am missing. I ask God to show me where I lack ________________ and am utterly oblivious – and that He would direct my attention towards what needs changed. This practice alone stretches my humility and puts me in a better space to hear from Him.
I was released by my doctor today to ease back into activities. Well, there will be little easing as I am scheduled to play tennis both tomorrow night and Sunday night. We discussed what should happen moving forward if the discomfort/pain returns. I will see an athletic trainer to receive physical therapy so that I can properly stretch and build up my core strength.
I ran several errands, some with a friend. We carried out lunch from our favorite Thai place and ate it at her house. She had a haircut to get to and I finished up my errands. Cold and dreary – would love to get under a blanket and nap. But – it is too late, and I have school work to tend to. Also doing some laundry.
Thanks for the tip regarding pancreatitis. Roger has been really good since Monday, eating his foods with clear broth, treasuring the naked chicken breast bites I give him in the evening. He was jumping in and out of his boxes last night – which I still find amusing, as well as reassuring.
Add Comment