AN INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023. Forgiveness and Unity – By Pastor James Dargin
Intention
To be carriers of the message of forgiveness and unity.
Scripture
“Then Peter approached him and asked, ‘Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?’ ‘I tell you, not as many as seven’, Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven’.” – Matthew 18:21–22
“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them for they do not know what they’re doing.’”– Luke 23:34
“How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!”
Reflection
My story of coming into forgiveness comes out of a background of the trauma, pain and loss that I’ve experienced for close to 50 years.
When I was very young, I was put into a Catholic institution where I was sexually, physically and mentally abused. This occurred until my father found out my brother and I was in there, and he came and took us out. I was six years old. We went to live with my father and my stepmother.
I thought everything was going to be perfect now. I thought we’d have love in the family. But I was wrong.
The abuse continued. One time my brother was playing around with matches. When this was discovered, he was put on top of a hot stove. He still carries the scar to this day. Other times our punishment involved being tied to beds. My brother was tied up under the house.
My brother and I would cop racist abuse when we were walking to school. After I while, I couldn’t cope with the racism. I hated being black. And I became racist myself. I hated the white man. I hated every culture that came to our country.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I left at age 14 to live with my mother. I thought things would be better and I would feel what love is like. But I found out she was an alcoholic. She would go out drinking and partying.
I was taken out to the bush by the police for no reason. They told me to take my shirt off. I asked why. They said so we don’t leave any blood on it.
I started drugs and alcohol at the age of 14. I gave up alcohol at the age of 50.
I had toxic relationships and children in those toxic relationships. I had my oldest son when I was 15. And my son didn’t have a true father because I was young.
If it wasn’t for the cross, I wouldn’t be here. My life would be gone.
I knew I had to forgive because Jesus had forgiven me.
The first person I forgave was my mum. Then my father and stepmother. I forgave the police force.
I asked my children for forgiveness for everything I’ve said and done. For drugs and alcohol. For what I have done in my relationships. I asked forgiveness for what I’ve said as an Aboriginal person against other people.
Watchman Nee said unforgiveness is the biggest door we open up to Satan.
This nation needs to shut that door of unforgiveness.
Let forgiveness be first spread in the church. We are children of God. We have Jesus. Let’s show the example of forgiveness. Ephesians 4:1–3 says:
“Walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Satan will use every opportunity of unforgiveness to keep that door open. But forgiveness will shut that door and set you free.
Author Bio
Pastor James Dargin is a father and grandfather, and he lives in Warilla, New South Wales. He carries a powerful message of forgiveness and is working closely as a team member of the i4Give Foundation.
