“To err is human, to forgive divine” is a true saying for me because honestly I don’t find it easy to forgive, myself and those closest to me. If I did I know I wouldn’t be finding it so hard to write to you! But I wrote to Ruth (our editor) recently to offer to write a regular column in WISE. So here I am, thankful to Ruth for the great topics she has set for 2008, but wishing I hadn’t been so eager because this issue focuses on forgiveness. There’s nothing like writing a piece or preparing for a Bible study to hone our understanding, is there? So back to the topic at hand.
Forgiving God is actually the topic, and I’m real glad because forgiveness is what God is good at, although we forget this at times.
I was sitting with a woman the other day. Her fridge had just blown up in the over‐whelming heat wave. All her food had gone off and she needed assistance. She pointed to her head as if she were to blame for her predicament. We reminded her that fridges, especially older ones, have a habit of conking out when you need them the most. No, it wasn’t her fault.
Often people come to CareWorks with some sense of shame and failure for seeking help. We seek to reassure people that their situation is a result of a whole host of reasons, and failure is a human reality we all face. Rather than being blamed they are supported in finding a way through the maze of failings they are experiencing. At the heart of our approach is the awareness of our God who is so compassionate and forgiving, who expresses extreme acceptance, and doesn’t come down on us like a ton of bricks to condemn. The cycles of resentment and revenge, bitterness and back‐stabbing, and self‐condemnation are so prevalent in our community, and we are not above them. Forgiveness is continually needed by all people.
God affirms that an act of loving forgiveness is what reconnects each of us with God, others and ourselves. How crucial is the word of Jesus who has become the forgiveness of God for all people. This is for me the astounding message of Easter that after and in spite of death, defeat and devastation, God freely forgives us, keeping no account of our failings and proclaiming us “not guilty”. He gives us the opportunity to begin again. In Jesus, God makes forgiveness human in this world of relationships where forgiveness can seem impossible.
We are called to be Women of Crucifixion‐Resurrection, breaking the cycles that would destroy us and others, and proclaiming a new beginning. At the worst of times, when Jesus was condemned, he cried out to God profoundly, “Forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.” How can anyone unless they experience another way in us, divinely enabled?
Grace and Peace, Julie
Julie Simpson is the newly appointed Executive Officer of CareWorks. A Churches of Christ Pastor and qualified social worker she has shared ministries with husband Grant in the Southern Circuit and Mt Barker.Julie has also been an aged care and hospital Chaplain. Julie is a mum and grandma, and a member of the Prospect Church at Blair Athol‐Kilburn
