Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sermon for this coming Sunday, September 4, 2011

(Postponed from August 28)


"The Practice of Forgiveness" based on Matthew 18:21-35


"Then Peter came and said to him,
'Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive?
As many as seven times?'
Jesus said to him, 'Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."
~ Matthew 18:21



In this passage, Peter asks a question about forgiveness, leading Jesus to offer one of his most important teachings: that the grace of forgiveness has no limits. In the 21st century, the act of forgiveness continues to set the Christian apart, but it is also one of the most difficult practices of Christian discipleship.

Note the word "practice" -- forgiveness is a practice, a discipline made possible by the grace of God, not some heroic act of will. And it takes practice -- it is something that we must do over and over again on a daily basis -- in other words, we must practice it -- for it to become a part of who we are.

Please join us at 10 am this Sunday, September 4, at the First Congregational Church of Stoughton, 76 Pierce Street, Stoughton.  Hope to see you!