new church life: jan uary/february 2016
18-31, Charity 199) We have a natural tendency to do what feels good and is
to our own benefit without thinking of how our selfishness may be damaging
others. In repentance “we are to examine ourselves, recognize and admit to
our sins, pray to the Lord, and begin a new life.” (True Christianity 530) This is
primarily a process that is between ourselves and the Lord. In praying to the
Lord for help in overcoming our hurtful habits, we may want to go into our
room and shut the door. (Matthew 6:6)
At the same time, repentance is not only changing our relationship with
the Lord but also changing our relationship with our neighbor. The Lord said
that if we come to worship and remember that our brother [or sister] has
something against us, we should first go and be reconciled with our brother
[or sister], and then return to worship. (Matthew 5:23-24) The way we relate to
others can help them in the process of repentance:
If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if
he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you,
saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him. (Luke 17:3-4)
This kind of repentance and forgiveness may take place between two
individuals alone, but it may also need the support of a small group, and
particularly a church group:
Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you
and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not
hear, take with you one or two more, that “by the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word may be established.” And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.
(Matthew 18:15-17)
It is in this context of two or three witnesses forming a small group to
support the process of repentance that the Lord says among two or three
gathered in His name He is present. (Matthew 18:19-20) It was in the Lord’s
small group of His disciples that He washed their feet, saying that they should
follow his example. Washing feet was an act of love and humility that involved
not reflecting on others’ evils, yet helping them come clean. (Secrets of Heaven
3147.8)
The same idea is symbolized by Noah’s sons Shem and Japheth going
backwards to cover their father’s nakedness, meaning that people who have
good will toward others “observe what is good, and if they see anything evil
and false, they excuse it, and if they can, try to amend it in him.” (Secrets of
Heaven 1079) Some people may have trouble seeing their own evils, and if they
want to they can get help “from others who are wise, and who see what they
themselves do not see.” (Heaven and Hell 487)
Small groups can provide support for learning and practicing the process
of repentance and forgiveness. This has been one of the primary goals of our
spiritual growth groups and New Church Journey small group series.
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