Forgiveness is the lesson given at service today. Very greatful for the message today. Love and forgiveness are indivisible.

To Forgive or Not to Forgive

By Jennifer Kane

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It isn’t action nor inaction Prince Hamlet

Struggled with in Act III, Scene I,

The heart of this tragedy and all others is this:

To forgive or not to forgive—that is the question.

Forgiveness of them—the ones who wounded me deeply,

The words or deeds that carved scars on my soul—

How can I forgive when the pain still lingers?

Yet, how can I not, when I am forgiven myself?

I see the younger son, squanderer of wealth and trust,

A prodigal returning, broken and ashamed.

The father, arms outstretched, embraces not the sin,

But the repentant child, and love heals the divide.

But what of the older son, standing bitter, apart,

Unmoved by grace and unwilling to rejoice?

Do I become him, nursing my grievances,

Or do I let the Spirit teach me how to love?

Jesus Christ—pierced, mocked, and betrayed—

He cried out, “Father, forgive them,” as He bled.

If His mercy could extend to His murderers and to me,

Who am I to withhold forgiveness from another?

For I serve a God who has forgiven me much,

My sins—red as scarlet—now washed white as snow.

If I cling to anger, bitterness, and pride,

How can I expect His forgiveness to abide?

Unforgiveness hardens the heart, builds walls,

And makes my life a tragedy of my own design.

But forgiveness sets me free, breaks the chains,

And turns the darkest night into dawn.

So I choose forgiveness, though it’s a daily cross to bear,

I leave the offense at His feet, for He is just.

For if I am to love as He has loved me,

Forgiveness is not an option—it is the only way.

Dec 8 2024