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)
