Rev. Jason Ho

A peer group was gathering in a house, chatting excitedly about their work, up-to-date “know how” and the most current news. Among the group was a charismatic and talkative young man, the center of attention, who spoke loudly with self-confidence. There was another young man, who just joined the group recently, a man of few words, working in a machine shop in the daytime. He looked like he was having some physical pain and his mind was thinking about a report that was due tomorrow. He had hoped that he would be able to find some comfort in a group that he felt he belonged to; however, he was not able to communicate with them. One weekend morning, the young man showed up in a senior nursing house, meeting up with an old lady. The old lady could only express herself with her eyes to express how eager she was to have someone accompany her. The young man tried to practice his limited sign language to “sing” a hymn to her. Amazingly, through the old lady’s eyes where anxiety was gradually fading away, the young man experienced the forgiveness and acceptance of Jesus. 

Jesus laid down everything from above to seek us. He first thought that when He came to His own place, His people would receive Him, but the truth was otherwise (Jn. 1:11). However, He did not require us to bear the consequence of our failure; instead, with grace and love, allowing us to fall into Him, He led us to find the truth so we could become true people. 

What makes us human beings is not our brain but our heart; not the ability to think but the ability to love. 

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When being attacked and despised, we must keep ourselves in the Body of Christ to remain healthy, and we must often jump into the river of forgiveness. Having realized that man has deeper suffering, we are able to extend forgiveness, hoping that the door of healing could be also open to them. We all are a work in process. Each of us is going through a process of overcoming our own setbacks. As Romans 15:7 says, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Ninety percent of love shown is to accompany others — even in a time of hardship, it will become comfort and healing.

Jesus says, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (Jn. 8:11). This powerful declaration reveals that the Spirit of the wounded One has experienced healing through forgiveness and the grace of acceptance; thus, He became a great Caregiver and Curegiver, overcoming the sin in man with love and grace! 

Reflections:

1. Recall a time where someone forgave you of the offenses that you have done. Or recall the broken moments in your life…what kind of feeling did these experiences bring to you?  
2. Does your ministry or fellowship/small group have a comforting place where people can jump into to find love and forgiveness? 
3. Tell someone about your experience of getting support in the most difficult moments of your life. And now, how would you put yourself in other people’s shoes?