Sunday 17 September 2023

Psalm 103

Background

This teaching about forgiveness follows on in Matthew’s Gospel from a discussion on handling conflict when it occurs among members of the church community. We are encouraged to address the issue in a manner that hopefully prevents the situation escalating, and the importance of listening to one another is emphasised.

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction and can lead to positive change and transformation. However, it can also be difficult and debilitating and will often require a willingness to listen well and some generosity of spirit for broken relationships to be restored. Even so, external help may sometimes be needed and there is a growing body of support and training is available (see, for example, Positive Working Together).

Forgiveness is frequently key to resolving conflict but it can prove to be very demanding. In this passage, Jesus recognises that forgiveness may be required on numerous occasions: he says we have to forgive many times – ‘seventy times seven’ being the exaggerated number (for effect) in one translation of v. 22. 

Verses 23-35 of today's reading is known as the ‘Parable of the Unforgiving Servant’ and it gives insights into our indebtedness to God. It is important not to interpret parables too allegorically, ie every aspect of the behaviour of ‘the lord’ in this parable should not be viewed as indicative of God’s behaviour. But the main point is clear and important: God is profoundly and generously disposed towards us, in love and forgiveness, so we should aspire to be likewise in our relationships with each other.

There is a caveat that  is particularly important in regard to safeguarding. Forgiveness should not be used in manipulative or coercive ways. A resource is about to be published that will offer some helpful reflection on this. Information about it can be found at: The Theology of Safeguarding and Spiritual Abuse (methodist.org.uk)

To Ponder:

• In what ways have you experienced conflict as positive and transformational?
• When have you found it hard to forgive and why?
• If you are aware of, or involved in, unresolved conflicts what might be helpful in de-escalating the situation?

Prayer

Thank you God, for your loving and generous disposition towards me. Help me to listen well to others, to grow in generosity of spirit and to love as you love. Amen.