As Bible Study continues reading Valarie Kaur’s See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, we contemplated healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation this week.  We asked how we understand the relationship between healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation.  We wondered in what ways forgiveness is similar to and different from reconciliation.  And does one’s healing depend on one’s ability to forgive and reconcile?  We can ask ourselves these questions on a personal level.  We can also ask them on a societal level. 

This week we saw the conclusion of a significant trial in our country as former police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all charges in the death of George Floyd.  This moment in our country’s story can make us think about justice and accountability.  It can make us think about systemic racism.  Though it may (or may not be) premature to speak of healing and forgiveness, let alone reconciliation.  This depends on how we view these important concepts, this depends on what they actually mean for us.

As Valarie Kaur writes, “Forgiveness is not forgetting: Forgiveness is freedom from hate.” (pg. 263)  Perhaps this moment will usher in real and lasting change as we truly see one another as created in the image and likeness of God.  That depends so much on each of us.  Though it remains a hope that we can have in our hearts. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren 

This Week’s Thoughts 4.22.21

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash