Sarah 9/1/21 Sarah 9/1/21

LIE: Forgiveness must be earned

TRUTH: Forgiveness is a free gift that helps me heal, and actually does nothing for the offender.

Sarah 8/25/21 Sarah 8/25/21

LIE: Forgiveness is a feeling

Forgiveness is not a miracle; it miraculously works in us. But the decision to forgive does not immediately alter everything.

Sarah 8/18/21 Sarah 8/18/21

LIE: Forgive = Forget

With forgiveness, we do not forget, but the memories no longer trigger pain and no longer control our actions. With forgiveness, we are cut free from the pain.

Sarah 8/11/21 Sarah 8/11/21

LIE: ‘It’s okay’ is a good answer to ‘I’m sorry.’

Whatever the person did, big or small, it is NOT okay that they did it. It might be that everything is okay between him/her and me, but that does not make what they did ok. So, let’s stop saying ‘it’s ok’ in response to an apology or request for forgiveness. How do we respond to ‘I’m sorry’, then? Here’s how to open the conversation

Sarah 8/4/21 Sarah 8/4/21

LIE: Forgiveness lets the offender off the hook

It is a common thing to hear, or think, ‘She deserves punishment, so I’m not going to forgive until she has paid.’ With forgiveness, God steps in to hold the hook on the offender.

Sarah 7/16/21 Sarah 7/16/21

Parable of the Sheep and Goats - Matt 25:31-46

Sarah 7/14/21 Sarah 7/14/21

Parable of the Talents - Matt 25:14-30

The master knows the ability of the servants and does not expect more than can be done. He also shows faith in the abilities of his servants by entrusting work to them while he is away.

Sarah 7/12/21 Sarah 7/12/21

Parable of the Wedding Banquet and the Ten Virgins - Matt 22:1-13 and Matt 25:1-13

The parable reminds me that perhaps we judge those around us, estimate their competency, their quality of work, but we are not able to estimate the quality of their heart. It reminds me that when I judge, I will get it wrong. Only God can judge the heart.

Sarah 7/9/21 Sarah 7/9/21

Parable of the Tenants - Matt 21:33-46

God has entrusted us with a mission. He helps us carry it out therefore, his trust is not misplaced. We need to consider if we are tending that mission and being fruitful.

Sarah 7/7/21 Sarah 7/7/21

Parable of the Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32

Why did the sons choose so differently? In keeping the faith, we know where to turn when the work is too hard, or too emotionally draining, or just too everything. And we do turn to him.

Sarah 7/5/21 Sarah 7/5/21

Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Matt 20:1-16

In the Parable of the Workers of the Vineyard, I see more the generosity of the vineyard owner, who gave because he could and saw no value in withholding from others. The vineyard owner who offers work to all, adding meaning to their day.

Sarah 7/2/21 Sarah 7/2/21

Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matt 18:23-35

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant tells me I must seek to forgive quickly, extend mercy and grace. These must be the things that infiltrate my being.