 God forgives us unconditionally, therefore we must forgive unconditionally. Unconditional forgiveness removes the obstacles that lie in the way of intimate union with God and others; which is a must if we are to become the great symbol of love, God expects of us. We have an awesome God. His love for us is so great that it is a force that draws us into him, and consequently away from obstacles that could keep us from God. For this reason a focus on unconditional forgiveness is an essential dimension of Christian spirituality and a condition of spiritual growth. God's love, experienced as unconditional forgiveness, thus move us in the direction not only becoming the "Rose" God wants us to be, but moves others in the same direction. It is in this way that our forgiveness of others is part of spiritual growth. Our actions of unconditional forgiveness show not only in reaching beyond the faults committed against us and refusing to allow them to become barriers of our love of God and neighbor but also in seeking to eradicate the obstacles that exist between people and their God.
Let us forgive unconditionally as we have been forgiven unconditionally. Let us reconcile unconditionally as we have been reconciled unconditionally. The unconditional forgiveness we show to others that makes us the salt of the earth and a light for the world are acts of a perfect "Rose". We embrace in the good that we do-the very person of God.
A friend told me that I am "Crazy" for growing roses. If growing roses helps me to love my God and neighbors, then I will be "crazy".
Deacon Will (Bill) G. Johnson is a product of 12 years of education by the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Charleston, SC. He is a Permanent Deacon for eight years in the Diocese of Camden, NJ. He is the Director for the Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Camden. Deacon Bill is married to Sandra (Bailey) for forty-two years and the parents of three sons and two grandchildren.
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