“For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction…” – Philippians 3:18-19

Paul writes with sadness about some who were once friends and appeal for a spirit of unity and steadfastness. He stresses the importance of letting go of the past – it is the path to true freedom.

Above all brothers and sisters you are called to be free; Do not use your freedom for an openness to self-indulgence, but to be servants to one another in love. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. No law can touch such things as these. – Galatians 5:13, 22-23

For Paul forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel – it is one of the main purposes of the cross. To not forgive is to turn our backs on Jesus and what he has done for us on the cross. If we do not forgive, Jesus warns, God will not forgive us: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, yours Father will not forgive your sins.” –  Matthew 6:15.

“To be free is to know who we are, with all that is beautiful, all the brokenness in us; it is to love our own values, to embrace them, and to develop them, it is to be anchored in a vision and truth but also to be open to others and, so, to change.” – Jean Vanier, Becoming Human

May we seek to use this testing time as an opportunity to examine our hearts and minds and to love one another including those who have done as harm with a pure heart fervently. Amen.