We face many difficulties in this life. Struggles and challenges abound. Sometimes we bring trouble upon ourselves. Other times, circumstances occur that we cannot account for and they mire us in misery.
In the ancient world, the world of the Psalms, life’s problems were thought to be sent by God as a response to sin. If you sin, you have problems. If you don’t sin, you don’t have any problems. If you have problems, it is because you sin. There was a sense of direct cause and effect.
So in Psalm 25, the writer refers to many problems and then pleads for mercy and forgiveness because of the belief that God’s forgiveness will mean the end of the problems. The writer refers to being put to shame, being involved with those who are wantonly treacherous, there is reference to enemies, to being lonely and afflicted, to the troubles of the heart, distress, and violent hatred. This Psalm, like many others, is filled with references to severe woes. And what is the cause of these woes? Sin. And what is the relief for these woes? God’s forgiveness.
And so the Psalmist pleads for forgiveness and mercy:
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions
Pardon my guilt, for it is great
Be gracious to me
Forgive all my sins.
The assumption is that God’s forgiveness and mercy will purge the sin, and thus all the difficulties that are being faced will come to an end. With God’s mercy, life will be prosperous and good. No troubles. While this is more simplistic that we would accept today, there is still great wisdom here. Will repentance and forgiveness take away all of our troubles and worries and make life a bowl of cherries? No, I don’t think so. But I certainly believe that more forgiveness in the world would lead to a world with fewer problems and troubles.
Cultivating the art and grace of forgiveness could alleviate much suffering and pain in the world: In families, in communities, in the work place, in the legal system, and even between nations and groups. Frankly, forgiveness has fallen on hard times and we are suffering for it. It is perceived as weakness. It is seen as being unfair. Letting people off. We are more comfortable with a system of retribution and restitution. Pay back. Don’t let anyone have something for nothing. Forgiveness is seen as pure give away. Ok for God, maybe, but not for inter human affairs.
With all of our focus on repentance and forgiveness this Lenten season, I invite you to give some thought to how you can bring more forgiveness into the world. Where can you do more forgiving – of yourself, of others? More forgiveness will free us from untold suffering and will free us from feeling we are owed, or that we owe. In one version of the Savior’s prayer, we say, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Doesn’t the world need less debt? Give forgiveness a try. It might not solve all of our problems, but it will definitely help to make life better for everyone.
Prayer
We know our need for forgiveness – from ourselves, from God, from others. This will go a long way to relieve so much of the heartache and stress of this life. May we look for opportunities to practice forgiveness and so free ourselves and the world of some measure of suffering and pain. Jesus was forgiveness embodied. He never withheld forgiveness. May we follow in his way. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 