When the
US Civil War ended in 1865, more than half a million soldiers lay dead, the
economy was shattered, and people remained deeply divided politically. The
observance of Mother’s Day in the United States began with two women’s efforts
for peace and reconciliation during this time of anguish. In 1870, Julia Ward
Howe called for an International Mother’s Day on which women would unite in
opposing war in all its forms.
A few years later, Anna Reeves Jarvis began her
annual Mother’s Friendship Day in an effort to reunite families and neighbors
alienated by the war. There is always great suffering when friends and families
are fractured and unwilling to forgive.
The
gospel of Jesus Christ brings the promise of peace and reconciliation with God
and with each other. When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive a
brother who sinned against him (Matt. 18:21), the Lord surprised everyone with
His answer of “seventy times seven” (v.22). Then He told an unforgettable story
about a servant who had received forgiveness and failed to pass it on
(vv.23-35). As God freely forgives us, so He requires that we extend what we
have received to others.
Forgiveness is Christianity in action.
With God’s love and power,
forgiveness is always possible. (RBC)
