But my hand shall not be against you...

                       1 Samuel 24. 13

(That is how forgiveness responds.

Our lives are radically changed

          by how God has forgiven us

      and how we forgive others.

Forgiveness changes how we see God,

how we respond to others,

and how we see ourselves.

Forgiveness releases us to love

           in the most unexpected ways

        and unlikely places.

Forgiveness responds differently

     and points all of us to God.

We serve God and others

                with a new heart.

What is that stuffed in our pockets?

                His grace.)

O LORD,

Help us to realize how deeply

       forgiveness changes us

in how we approach and navigate

               our relationships.

Grant us the courage and audacity

      to seek the flourishing of others,

              with totally unexpected

                   steps of grace.

May we bring to the table

        the healing that only

        can come from You.

Make us intentional in loving others,

   just as You are intentional

   in loving us.

We are more sinful than we can know.

And even then, we are more loved by You

         than we can imagine.

Imprint our lives with Your grace.