Forgiven
Once again, we find ourselves at the end of another foot trail as we complete our path of Forgiven on this journey together.
Our trailway opens to the familiar large circle area, where a roaring fire greets us as we gather and share what we have learned.
The crackling flames dance, bringing us back to peace once again as we sit and rest in our moments of reflection.
It has been an intense journey as we made our way through forgiving ourselves or others. I know it was hard to look at the pain you put away for so long, but you did it.
I am so proud of you!
How fitting we find ourselves here on Easter - the day we celebrate the miraculous resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Once it was discovered that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, the broken spirits of Jesus' followers lifted as, despite doubt and shock, hope returned.
When the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples, there was no denying the truth. He stood before his friends with the hands and scars, reminding them what He had endured for them.
He reminded His disciples of the scriptures that foretold this moment and told them of their role now.
Jesus instructed them to share the good news of God's love and offer healing and forgiveness.
He wasn't just talking to them. He's talking to us.
Right now. Today.
So, in our final moments on this path of Forgiven, write down any anger, disappointment, regret, or pain that remains.
Let it out.
Then, crumple up that paper, and throw it into the fire.
Watch as all that pain sizzles in the flames and disappears into the ashes.
As the embers rise and sparks fly in the night air, think of Jesus rising into heaven. He takes with him all this pain you have been holding onto.
Now, take a new piece of paper and write down the truths of God's forgiveness. Write down whatever you feel is most important to remember what God has shown you on this path of forgiveness.
You may need to revisit these truths when dark thoughts try to creep in so you can remind yourself of the price paid for forgiveness.
Jesus is risen!
And you have risen as well, my brave and forgiven friend.
Jesus is risen!
We can celebrate and never forget what Jesus endured to release us from the grips of resentment, anger, and unforgiveness.
Today is a day of new beginnings, hope, and freedom.
Imagine God is there with us, as He always is, standing right across from you at the fire.
His smile is beaming so brightly that it almost overtakes the flames.
God is so proud of you. He loves you so much!
He is beckoning us to continue forward and can't wait to show us what He has in store.
Let's share the good news of God's love and offer healing and forgiveness.
Our journey continues, and it's going to be amazing!
Matthew 28:6
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Romans 4:23-25
Now not for his sake alone was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also—to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead - who was betrayed and crucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal—absolving us of all sin before God]
1 Corinthians 6:14
By his power, God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
Luke 24: 3-8
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.
John 20: 19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again, Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Luke 24: 45-47
Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Romans 8:34
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us