Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
Perhaps there is a scripture that really speaks to you about who you are and how you live your life. In talking with Claudia Kauffman and her brother, Matt, to prepare their mom’s Celebration of Life service, there were several that came to their minds. As a mom, as well as a pastor, it was a blessing to hear how they connected several passages to her life and faith.
One of those was the Love Chapter in I Corinthians 13. The other was from I Peter 4:7-11. “Be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. Open your homes to each other without complaining. And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always.” These are powerful words and a legacy we can each give to the world in our time.
While preparing last Sunday’s sermon I was challenged by the power of forgiveness in the stories of so many people and how their faith was the guiding piece that helped them to forgive incredible loss and pain. One that did not make the sermon, I want to share in writing. This story has stirred my heart and thinking, I hope it will yours as well.
Matt Swatzell was driving home after a long shift as a firefighter when he fell asleep at the wheel. In a tragic accident, he crashed into another car, killing June Fitzgerald—a pregnant mother—and injuring her 19-month-old daughter. June’s husband, Eric Fitzgerald, was a pastor. Instead of seeking vengeance, Eric asked for a reduced sentence for Matt. But it didn’t stop there. Eric reached out to Matt and invited him to meet for coffee. What began as a gesture of compassion turned into a genuine friendship. The two men now meet regularly, and Eric has said, “You forgive as you’ve been forgiven.” Matt, overwhelmed by guilt, found healing through Eric’s grace. And Eric, in turn, found peace by choosing love over judgment and bitterness.
What a gift forgiveness can be in our lives and in the lives of others. May we forgive radically and deeply this week for our sakes and for the sake of the world and the One Who created all of us.
Building Community With You,
Pastor Donna