It All Keeps Coming Back to Love and Forgiveness
For those of you who have read my book The One Another Project, or have listened to the sermons taken from the book over the last several months at SFCAC, you will most likely remember that of the 29 One Another admonitions found in the New Testament, Love and Forgiveness lead the way. Loving one another in the same manner that Christ has loved us. Forgiving one another as completely as we have been forgiven by Christ.
I am continually amazed at how often these two admonitions pop up, not only in the scriptures but also in devotional writings and various prayers of the saints of old.
Many years ago, I was introduced to Celtic worship through writings of the Northumbria Christian Community in Northumberland, UK. When I stepped down from being the Senior Pastor at Sierra Bible Church in Truckee, the vast majority of my hundreds of books went into storage boxes. Among those books were my Northumbria books on prayer and worship. I had almost forgotten about them until this morning, when Pastor Jonathan presented a Celtic devotional reading during the midweek SFCAC Staff Meeting. And there they were again, love and forgiveness, the heart and soul of today’s meditation.
When I look at the blood all I see is love, love, love.
When I stop at the Cross I see the love of God.
What I can’t see is competition. I can’t see hierarchy.
I can’t see pride or prejudice or the abuse of authority.
I can’t see lust for power. I can’t see manipulation.
I can’t see rage or anger or selfish ambition.
I can’t see unforgiveness. I can’t see hate or envy.
I can’t see stupid fighting or bitterness, or jealousy.
I can’t see empire building. I can’t see self-importance.
I can’t see back-stabbing or vanity or arrogance.
I see surrender, sacrifice, salvation, humility,
righteousness, faithfulness, grace, forgiveness, and love!
When I stop at the Cross, I see the love of God. Written by Godfrey Birtill
I just consulted the list of books that fill sixteen boxes in my attic. My books on Celtic worship and prayer are in box number six. I’m heading to my attic! I need a fresh dose of the spiritual refreshment that is found in them. Thanks Pastor Jonathan for this morning’s devotional, I needed its reminder.