Tyranny of Forgiveness
He felt compassion for their ignorance, and it is not to say that God forgive them without them repenting, but so far as Jesus was concerned, it is.
Season 5, Episode 21 · Tyranny of Forgiveness
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The story behind the idea
Thank God that he always goes beyond our limitations, but Jesus is asking us to consider the correlation between the two. Maybe you remember the story Jesus told about the guy who was forgiven like seven billion dollars worth of debt. Then he goes out and starts choking some guy who owes him like three months' wages.
What stands out
One is Jesus dying on a cross at the hands of sinful men, and among the last things he says to his father is forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing. He felt compassion for their ignorance, and it is not to say that God forgive them without them repenting, but so far as Jesus was concerned, it is what he wanted. Stephen carried this same thing into his Christian life a short time later, and even while he was being stoned to death, he used his last voice asking that their sin not be held against them.
Why it matters
Citing Ephesians four thirty two and Colossians three thirteen, my friend's abusers pressed her to forgive, quote, as God forgives. God forgives us by taking on our punishment, they argued, so she should likewise forgive and forget and forgo reporting their crimes to the police. After initially forgiving her offenders, my friend distanced herself from her family. When she did so, they interpreted her actions as unforgiveness and bitterness, adding to her moral conflict.
A faithful way forward
Reporting a crime can also be an act of love for the broader community because it prevents the abuser from harming others, and it can be an act of love toward the abuser, as it holds him or her accountable and invites repentance. I don't need to add a lot of commentary there, except to say that the laws of the land around us are agents of God to protect the innocent. I would pray, hopefully, willing to accept whatever consequences are needful, to reform their behavior, protect others, and help their victims heal.
Put it into practice
There's a lot of powerful stuff in that section, but mainly I want you to understand that reconciliation in the eyes of the offender usually means saying I'm sorry, forgetting it happened, and moving on. The sinner would do well to number one, understand that God expects more of them, and number two, understand that reconciliation involves positive change and healing in the one that they have hurt. The article concludes in this way Finally, a true repentant offender recognizes that forgiveness is an undeserved gift that must be offered freely by the injured party.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
Prefer listening?
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