Series: Forgiven
Message: Can We Forgive and Forget?
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 26:1-5.

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21- As you read in the New International Version, note 1-3 insights that arise.

Reflect: Daily reconciliation is never easy. It involves embracing all that Jesus has done for you before you can truly embrace all that Jesus is asking of you. Jesus provided strategies for reconciliation in our tribe; the most direct are Matthew 5:23,24; Matthew 18:15-20; and John 13:12-17. There are also the great stories of forgiveness such as Luke 15 and Matthew 18. Jesus has always understood that there is so much power in forgiveness, and reconciliation is healing to our lives. It is why often, when we celebrate communion within our tribe, we enjoy adding foot washing. As shared online www.adventist.org/en/beliefs

“The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Savior. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot-washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christ-like humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (Matt. 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Rev. 3:20.)”

Remembering that we are all on the same page, in need of Jesus, and ending the divisions, is part of the process of preparation which this week is all about. As Ellen White shared so aptly in the book Evangelism, page 275,

“As Christ celebrated this ordinance with His disciples, conviction came to the hearts of all save Judas. So we shall be convicted as Christ speaks to our hearts. The fountains of the soul will be broken up. The mind will be energized, and, springing into activity and life, will break down every barrier that has caused dissension and alienation."

Recalibrate: 

1. Who do you need to make peace with?

Respond: Pray for insight and a tender heart.

Research: What do the different emblems in communion mean and how does it compare to Passover?