by Norris Lineweaver, Board Secretary with Friends of the Jerusalem International YMCA
Forgiveness is the work of returning dignity to those from which it was taken.
Jesus, for example, did not encourage his disciples to seek revenge against local authorities for the atrocities committed toward him.
Instead, upon his being raised from the dead, the first words of Jesus were a blessing of shalom; then he declared a mission of forgiveness for his followers.
Located just outside the old city walls of Jerusalem, The Garden Tomb is considered by many to be a possible location for the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Whenever I visit the beautiful Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, it’s like entering a sacred space for peaceful prayer and meditation – not only for me but also for Christians from around the world.
One of the most important reminders for me from reflecting at the Garden Tomb on the Easter story is the power of forgiveness and reconciliation for peace in the example demonstrated by the resurrected Christ Jesus our Lord.
Near the Damascus Gate and standing in the shadow of Skull Hill, this beautiful garden is a powerful symbol of Christ’s peace in the face of adversity, violence, and death.
Current examples are demonstrating everyday work of Christian peace near The Garden Tomb.
As CEO of the East Jerusalem YMCA, my dear friend Peter Nasir is the third generation of his Christian family to lead peace initiatives of the Y in occupied Palestine.
Peter’s grandfather Labib and his father Kamil demonstrated through leadership succession a consistent language of reconciliation for peace and forgiveness while holding authorities rightfully accountable for civil injustice and violence.
From their very beginning, YMCA operations in Palestine have focused on everyday works of peace through vocational training for young people.
Skilled hands build sustainable economies as a foundation for both progress and peace.
Engaging both Christian and Muslim leaders and youth working together reduces internal conflict and prejudices.
Resilient leaders find renewed strength from encouraging forgiveness in the face of adversity to resurrect peace.
What do these examples of peace mean for you in your everyday life?
If the living stones of The Garden Tomb could speak they might ask where in your life is a sacred space for contemplation to encourage everyday acts of peace and forgiveness?
May you respond to Christ’s call to build up everyday works of peace and forgiveness where you are sent to play, work and live.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.
The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.””
Gospel according to John, 20.19-23 NIV
This YMCA devotion series brought to you by onPrinciple – click here to learn more about it – a new leadership development program to strengthen the presence of Christ in the YMCA
Click here for the entire devotion series as a downloadable PDF booklet.
