Craig Swope
I so appreciate communion at church. It is a weekly re-set. I am reminded of my need for forgiveness. Certainly, those close to us forgive us regularly. My conversational thoughts can frequently ramble and those close to me write it off as “that’s just Craig rambling.”
Even that is a form of forgiveness. How can I get restless about my pal telling me the same story for the fifth time. Communion reminds me that if I want to be forgiven, I have to forgive. It is not an option for a Christian. It is often difficult and frequently a process.
Find any couple that’s been married for multiple decades, and you’ll find a lot of forgiveness. John Prine’s song “In Spite Of Ourselves” talks of a couple who have forgiven each other frequently for quirky flaws.
What’s their reward, “they end up sitting on a rainbow” a life full of love, in spite of themselves. When I feel truly blessed, I know it's in spite of myself. Talk to virtually any long-term married couple and they will tell you about the importance of forgiveness.
Anyone with a long-term relationship knows that the relationship doesn’t exist without forgiveness. So why do we do it? Because it's worth it.
The richness that comes from relationships that allow us to fully be the person we were created to be is not found at the surface of a relationship. The richness comes from depth, and we can rarely get there without forgiveness.
For the Apostle Paul, the freedom he talked about was very much connected to forgiveness and being free of the bondage of sin. Communion reminds me of the price paid for that forgiveness. Forgive people this week.
Chances are the tables were turned at some point and someone forgave you. Set yourself free from the bondage of unforgiveness.
Craig Swope is an elder of First Christian Church in Carson City and associate pastor of Alpine Christian Community Church in Woodfords.