Forgiveness and Healing
The theme for this year's Health Promotion Sunday is "Forgiveness and Healing." The words "forgive, forgiven and forgiveness" occur 56 times in the Old Testament and 71 times in the New Testament (NRSV). Jesus admonished his disciples to forgive whenever there was real repentance (Matt. 18:22) and desire for reconciliation. He demonstrated his power to forgive and heal (Mark 2:5-12). Forgiveness must be sincere and substantial for healing to occur. This process can be painfully difficult. What does our faith tradition have to say about the "why" and "how" of this core Christian value -- in our families, in our church communities, and in our world? Many of us are on a life-long journey leading toward health and wholeness. Forgiveness -- given and received -- is integral to our success. These Health Promotion Sunday materials are intended to nurture and support us on our way. This packet includes worship resources, a theological perspective that may also serve as a Sunday school resource, a collection of monthly church board or small group meditations intended to stimulate thoughtful discussion, and a bibliography for those who might wish to do further study in this area. Each resource is available as a web page. |
