Posts Tagged ‘reconciliation’

But God’s order, in fact, throws this process on its head. God’s order puts forgiveness and redemption first. Acknowledgment and apology may be like icing on the cake, but our spiritual duty is to forgive and, not only that, but to forgive first, as we have been forgiven.

Join other United Methodist Women on an Ubuntu eXplorer Journey to Northern Ireland, September 14-23, 2012. Participants will learn about the East Belfast Mission that is both a church and a mission, enjoy a relationship-building retreat with Methodist Women of Ireland and engage in discussions on what it means to forgive and reconcile with one another.

St. Louis Today: But true forgiveness is not easy, and often should not happen quickly. When forgiveness does happen, it is a sure sign of God’s grace in our midst. Forgiveness represents the deep hope of God’s ultimate restoration as witnessed in the cross of Jesus Christ.

Telling those stories and unearthing the truth is part of the process of repentance of reconciliation. There are quiet resentments between Protestants and Catholics, Christians and Jews and Christians and Muslims. In dealing with them, we dis­cover the roots of such op­pressive things that con­tinue.

The witness that Christians can most powerfully offer the world is not that of a perfect people, but of a people always fully engaged in the reconciliation experience.

Shivering, he cried for forgiveness. “I come to you as a prodigal son. Please forgive me.” The two women whose materials had been stolen emerged from the congregation and gave him a big hug.

In story after story, we have heard faith journeys from people who are not looking for headlines but who are working in humble places. They live a vibrant witness of faith.

Those who look back at me from beyond human made barriers of separation are very much like someone I know well. They are very much like me.

UMC.org has put together a special website (www.umc.org/911) to provide stories, worship resources, prayers, videos, and other useful links related to the upcoming 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Any reporter thinking Bethke would allow herself the satisfaction of revenge would be disappointed. Her family’s loss because of 9/11 has not changed a lifelong commitment to peace…From the beginning, she has chosen reconciliation over retribution.