Episode 814
Forgiveness: A Radical Approach to Community Healing | 814
The salient point of this episode revolves around the profound concept of forgiveness as articulated in Luke 17:1-4. We engage in an in-depth examination of the radical nature of forgiveness within a community context, emphasizing the transformative power it holds. The discussion elucidates the collective responsibility we bear in perpetuating systems that may harm the vulnerable, urging us to scrutinize our actions and inactions. Furthermore, we explore the principle of transformative justice, advocating for a corrective approach that upholds the dignity of all individuals involved, rather than resorting to punitive measures. Our dialogue culminates with a call to action, encouraging listeners to identify and address their participation in harmful systems, thereby contributing to a more equitable and compassionate society.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The podcast presents an in-depth analysis of Luke 17:1-4, as articulated by Dr. Brad Miller, who delves into the multifaceted nature of forgiveness within a communal context. This scripture, which underscores the inevitability of trials and the imperative of forgiveness, serves as a lens through which Dr. Miller examines the broader implications of our actions and responsibilities towards one another. He articulates a compelling argument for recognizing our collective complicity in perpetuating systems of harm, urging listeners to reflect on how their silence and inaction contribute to societal injustices.
In his discourse, Dr. Miller not only addresses the personal aspect of forgiveness but also situates it within a framework of transformative justice. He challenges the notion of punitive responses to wrongdoing, advocating instead for a restorative approach that prioritizes healing and reconciliation. The command to forgive 'seven times' is reinterpreted as a transformative practice, one that disrupts cycles of harm and fosters a culture of accountability and grace. This perspective invites a radical rethinking of how we engage with those who have wronged us, promoting a vision of community that is rooted in love and mutual support.
Ultimately, the episode culminates in a call to action, encouraging listeners to identify and confront their own roles in systems of oppression. Dr. Miller's insights serve as a poignant reminder of the intertwined nature of faith and social justice, urging us to move beyond mere acknowledgment of our failings towards tangible actions that foster a beloved community. Through this thoughtful exploration of scripture, the podcast not only seeks to impart biblical wisdom but also to inspire listeners to engage deeply with the ethical dimensions of their faith.
Takeaways:
- The episode emphasizes the significance of collective responsibility in fostering a supportive community.
- Forgiveness is presented not merely as an act of grace but as a radical approach to healing.
- Listeners are encouraged to engage with their own complicity in systems that harm the vulnerable.
- The concept of transformative justice is introduced, which prioritizes restoration over punishment.
- The discussion highlights the revolutionary nature of forgiveness in breaking cycles of retribution.
- Practical action steps are provided for listeners to begin addressing harm in their communities.
Links referenced in this episode:
Transcript
A kernel of faith.
Speaker A:A deep dive into the Message of Luke 17:1 4 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:My mission is to get the word of God audibly into the years of 2 million people.
Speaker A:And we're going to do that together here as we read from the Bible, the New Testament every single day.
Speaker A:We do that by taking the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:That's the selected verse of Scripture for this very day.
Speaker A:And we're in the epiphany season, year C, and we read that Bible.
Speaker A:We read in a way that is understandable.
Speaker A:We read from the message version, relatable.
Speaker A:We give you some points to ponder.
Speaker A:Applicable.
Speaker A:We give you some points of taking action.
Speaker A:And we do all of that and have a prayer in under 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by our website, voiceofgoddaily.com that is the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide, which you can pick up at our website.
Speaker A:Here's our reading for the day from the Gospel of Luke 17:1 4 Reading from the message A kernel of Faith.
Speaker A:He said this to his disciples.
Speaker A:Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but too bad for whoever brings them on.
Speaker A:Better to wear a concrete vest and take a swim with the fishes than get even one of these dear little ones a hard time.
Speaker A:Be alert if you see your friend going wrong, correct him if he responds, forgive him if it's personal against you.
Speaker A:And repeated seven times through the day.
Speaker A:And in seven times he says, I'm sorry, I won't do it again.
Speaker A:Forgive him.
Speaker A:A short, concise but powerful passage of Scripture for today's reading.
Speaker A:We're talking here about the radical nature of forgiveness in community.
Speaker A:Here are some points to ponder and to consider.
Speaker A:One is about collective responsibility.
Speaker A:Jesus strong language about wearing a concrete vest.
Speaker A:A modern translation's vivid take on millstones isn't about individual punishment but about collective responsibility.
Speaker A:In progressive theology, we understand this is a call to examine how our actions and our silence can perpetuate systems of oppression that harm the vulnerable.
Speaker A:Whether it's through racist structures, economic inequality or environmental destruction, we're called to recognize how we might be complicit in causing others to stumble.
Speaker A:Another point that's about transformative justice.
Speaker A:When Jesus talks about correcting someone who's going wrong, he's not advocating for shame based call out culture.
Speaker A:Instead, this aligns with a transformative justice principle that is addressing harm while maintaining the humanity and dignity of all involved.
Speaker A:The goal isn't punishment, but restoration and community healing.
Speaker A:One more point.
Speaker A:It's about radical forgiveness as revolutionary.
Speaker A:The command to forgive seven times in one day isn't about being a doormat.
Speaker A:It's about breaking cycles of retribution.
Speaker A:This kind of forgiveness is revolutionary.
Speaker A:It doesn't ignore justice, but rather creates space for transformation.
Speaker A:It's the kind of forgiveness we've seen in truth and reconciliation movements, where healing becomes possible through honest acknowledgment of harm and commitment to change.
Speaker A:Here's your action step for the day this week.
Speaker A:Identify one way you might be participating in systems that harm vulnerable people.
Speaker A:This could be through consumption habits that exploit workers or investment in institutions that perpetuate inequality, or simply silence in the face of injustice.
Speaker A:Choose one concrete action to begin addressing this harm, maybe changing your purchasing habits or redirecting your resources, or speaking up in some way in spaces where you have some influence.
Speaker A:Well, the closing prayer in just a minute.
Speaker A:Just want to lift up that we have a resource for you that you really need to take advantage of.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:You can find it at our website, voiceofgoddaily.com it makes reading the Bible in complement to what you get here.
Speaker A:When we hear the Bible read to you on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is about you personally getting into the Scriptures and to read it and to study it.
Speaker A:And we make it a straightforward ABC 1, 2, 3 process.
Speaker A:You can find it@voiceofgod daily.com let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are divine Love and we live in a world where harm seems endless, where forgiveness feels impossible, and where justice often appears out of reach.
Speaker A:Give us courage to face our own complicity in systems that hurt others.
Speaker A:Grant us wisdom to correct without condemning, to challenge without crushing, to speak truth while leaving room for grace.
Speaker A:Help us practice the kind of forgiveness that doesn't excuse harm but creates space for transformation.
Speaker A:Make us brave enough to apologize, humble enough to change, and strong enough to keep trying even when we fail.
Speaker A:May we become people who protect the vulnerable, who choose restoration over retribution, and who never stop believing in the possibility of a beloved community.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:A beloved community.
Speaker A:I love that as a way to kind of conclude our time together.
Speaker A:Today we are building that here on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Every day we bring you the Word of God.
Speaker A:We hope that you'll join us again tomorrow.
Speaker A:We've done this over 800 times so you know that we'll be here be here tomorrow and want you to come and bring a friend to the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:I'll be with you tomorrow.
Speaker A:Until then, remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up.
Speaker A:It's creating.
Speaker A:Created new every morning.
