Forget old grudges

A small chalkboard slate is being wiped clean by a hand with a soft cloth, old scratched tally marks fading into dust while empty space opens up below, with the words “forgets old grudges” lettered by hand.

God of love, you give us peace with each other. Through your only Son you gave us, for our good, a new command: that we love one another as you loved us, even when we were unworthy and wandering, and gave your dear Son for our life and rescue. Lord, please give us, all through our lives on earth, and above all right now, a mind that forgets old grudges, a clean conscience, honest thoughts, and a heart to love our brothers and sisters. Amen.

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.

John 13:34 (BSB)

Adapted from the Coptic Liturgy of St Cyril, tr. William Bright (1864), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.