Offended By Forgiveness

As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.  – Psalm 103:12

In a broad view of history, you will notice “forgiveness” ebbs and flows in popularity in world cultures. Social justice movements are currently in vogue, fanning flames of anger from a foundation of actual victimization. Yet forgiveness has been rejected by many and even viewed as a psychological form of self-loathing. As a result, public shaming and monetary restitution have replaced forgiveness. Can moral justice be achieved devoid of the spiritual value of forgiveness? Growing up under the horror of apartheid, Desmond Tutu insisted, “Without forgiveness, there is no future.” 

Today, accepting the forgiveness of God through the suffering of Jesus Christ is provokingly countercultural. The idea that divine justice is eternally satisfied in divine mercy reassigns human retribution and holds people uncomfortably accountable for the condemnation they call down upon others. In the confession of their sin, followers of Christ are immersed in complete forgiveness and receive the simultaneous call to offer the same to others: “Bearing with one another… forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13). 

Do you know anyone offended by forgiveness? Intercede for them and anyone who would like to put complicated and socially acceptable conditions around it. God forgives you and enables you to forgive others in the same manner. Pray for Americans at all levels to recognize their need for forgiveness. Ask that many will come to understand and accept the grace of God through Jesus Christ, bringing healing to the social fabric of the nation.