Forgive Your Brother from the Heart

Sunday September 13, 2020

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:20–21

Forgiveness is filled with questions. How often must I forgive? Is there a limit to the grace of forgiveness? What is the connection between God’s forgiveness to me and my forgiveness to others? The answer to these questions lies in Christ. As our heavenly Father has forgiven us, so do we forgive one another in His name. This forgiveness is clearly and beautifully shown in the example of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and then forgave them because of God’s mercy.

READINGS

Old Testament:




Psalm:

Epistle:



Gospel:

Genesis 50:15–21–47
Joseph reassured his brothers that he forgave them and recognized the hand of God at work in their lives

Psalm 103:1–12

Romans 14:1–12
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord

Matthew 18:21–35
How often must I forgive my brother? How often has God forgiven you?

COLLECT

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who, out of love for His fallen creation, humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even death upon a cross. Risen from the dead, He has freed us from eternal death and given us life everlasting.