(based on Matthew 18: 21-35)
What if God paid us back in full for all the wrong we have done?
(pause)
O Lord we seek your mercy...
yet we ourselves look for payback when we are wronged.
We think it “only fair” and “what is right” when we retaliate
and use harsh words
and withdraw from relationship.
The forgiveness you offer on our account
is larger than we can comprehend,
still we withhold forgiveness
and carry the grudge over petty items.
We are eager to do your judging.
And the worst: we conspire our inner thoughts
to secure your forgiveness
while avoiding honest repentance.
Forgive us Lord for the sins we know in our hearts.
Save us Lord from the sins we hide.
(pause for reflection and self-examination)
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy,
slow to anger and has not dealt with us according to our sins.
Instead, God has chosen the sacrifice of God’s own son on our account.
It is because Jesus Christ pays the last full measure
that our sins are forgiven.
This gift of forgiveness makes us able,
with the power of Holy Spirit,
to choose to forgive, renew
and live again in right relationship with each other and with our God.
In the name of Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
—written by Bill Wessner and posted on Confession RCL blog.
