“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the link for Sunday, September 6, 2026 worship service: https://youtu.be/polgvhITkIE
Sunday, September 13 – Worship starts at 10:45 a.m.
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
Creation Time – Week 1
Texts this week:
Exodus 14:19–31; Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21;
Psalm 114; Romans 14:1–12 & Matthew 18:21–35
To Ponder: Matthew 18:21–35
Peter comes to Jesus with a question that many of us have probably asked in one way or another: “How often should I forgive?”
It is a very human question. We can forgive once. Maybe twice. But when the same hurt comes back, when someone disappoints us deeply, or when the wound has stayed with us for years, forgiveness can become very difficult.
Sometimes we carry those hurts quietly. We replay conversations in our minds. We remember what someone said or did. We may smile on the outside, while inside we are still carrying anger, disappointment, resentment, or sadness.
Jesus’ answer to Peter reminds us that forgiveness is not simply about keeping count. It is about living in the freedom of God’s grace.
Forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It does not mean that harm was acceptable. It does not always mean that trust is immediately restored or that every relationship must return to what it once was. Sometimes healthy boundaries are necessary.
But forgiveness can mean refusing to let yesterday’s hurt control today’s life.
I have learned that when I hold tightly to resentment, I often become the one carrying the weight. The other person may have moved on, while I continue carrying the conversation, the pain, and the frustration inside me. Forgiveness begins to loosen that weight. It creates room in our hearts for peace, healing, and new life.
That is why forgiveness also belongs within this Season of Creation. God’s creation is always moving toward renewal. Trees release their leaves. The earth rests and begins again. Seasons change. Life continues to make room for something new.
Perhaps our souls need seasons like that too.
There may be something we need to release—not because it never mattered, but because we do not want it to imprison us anymore.
So, the question is not only, “Should I forgive?”
Perhaps we might also ask:
What am I carrying that God is inviting me to release?
What stress, bitterness, or old wound has taken up too much space in my heart?
And perhaps most importantly:
Can I trust God enough to begin letting it go?
Forgiveness is often a process. Sometimes it begins with a very small prayer:
“God, I am not ready yet but help me move toward forgiveness.”
Jesus reminds us that we ourselves live each day by the mercy of God. We are forgiven people, invited to become forgiving people.
And as forgiveness begins to take root, something changes. The chains loosen. The heart breathes again. We discover that grace does not only free the person we forgive—it can also free us.
This time I would encourage you to invite your children, partner or family members to join you in prayer – read this prayer aloud – meditate on the words…,
Gracious and merciful God,
You know the hurts we carry,
the memories we struggle to release,
and the relationships that remain difficult.
Give us courage to face honestly what has wounded us.
Give us wisdom to know when boundaries are needed,
and grace to begin the journey of forgiveness.
Free us from bitterness, resentment, and the burdens we were never meant to carry forever.
As You renew the earth in every season, renew our hearts as well.
Help us to receive Your mercy
and to share that mercy with others,
so that we may live more freely,
love more deeply,
and walk more peacefully in Your creation.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
who teaches us the way of grace and forgiveness. Amen.
Trinity United Church 