Sin and Forgiveness

Due in part to our media-driven world, we’re ultra-aware of others' missteps. While the range of these sins is wide, it’s not up to us to condemn. Lawbreakers should be made to face justice, but for most of us, we are asked to not judge lest we be judged.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 ESV  

However, when someone says or does something that’s wrong, we’re quick to feel outrage, but how about forgiveness? We vilify people when they do bad things, but how about condemning the action, not the person? How about remembering that we sin as well?

We’re so quick to fire someone, take privileges away, request that they relinquish awards, banish others when they do things that we consider wrong at the very least, evil at the very worst. Well, what if something is just a mistake? What if the worst thing you’ve done isn’t a sign that you’re Satan himself, but just a fallible human being? I like this quote from Sister Helen Prejean: "It is easy to forgive the innocent. It is the guilty who test our morality. People are more than the worst thing they've ever done."

This can be tricky. With anything I’ve suggested above, I know someone will probably find something that is so evil that I may have a hard time defending my words. And that’s okay. God doesn’t put conditions on forgiveness. What I’d like to leave you with today are these passages below:

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8

Prayer: Dear Lord, none of us are perfect. Where there is lawlessness and evil, let those in power deliver justice. As for ourselves, help us to show your love, compassion, and forgiveness, as you have taught us. Amen.

Donna Gustafson