Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Last week, we heard about the God who finds the lost, that the angels, all heaven, and true Christians rejoice when the lost is found. No one should begrudge those who have turned from their wicked way and come to God in repentance. Such a brother should receive forgiveness and reconciliation.

Since we only agree with that in the general case, this week’s lessons push on us a little bit. When it’s generic sinners and tax collectors we are fine, but does God really want us to be merciful to that person?