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1. There is no greater demonstration of the dynamics of forgiveness than the gospel itself which includes both forgiveness, but also the various expressions necessary in order for one to obtain it; the gospel itself testifies against cheap forgiveness which is most common. https://twitter.com/kylejameshoward/status/1348754300680491010
2. When people say, “I forgive them” or “I forgive you” despite the offender not not having any remorse or regret, this most often cheapens the reality of forgiveness & justice. The only exception to this, is when forgiveness is extended as merely a form of personal catharsis...
3. To dive into this stank I a little more:
“Forgiveness” requires an exchange. True forgiveness requires an offended party to seek conciliation with the offended party & when possible, pursue reconciliation as well thru repentance & possibility some form of restitution.
“Forgiveness” requires an exchange. True forgiveness requires an offended party to seek conciliation with the offended party & when possible, pursue reconciliation as well thru repentance & possibility some form of restitution.
4. Forgiveness is achieves when the offended party purses these things, the offended party sets terms, terms are met, and the offended party receives said terms and a common peace is made. Terms may just be an apology, but could include even reparations of some sort.
5. In “Forgiveness”, the offended party has the right to set the terms regarding what is required to be “at peace” or arrive at conciliation. Forgiveness requires both parties to meet at conciliation; it doesn’t obligate offended party to continue to move toward reconciliation.
6. Going back to point 2: there are times when an offended party remains obstinate & refuses to pursue forgiveness. In Christianity, an offended party is called to have a “heart posture” towards offender that is ready to forgive, but they cannot if offended never seeks exchange.
7. There are times when people say things like “I forgive you/them” despite this exchange never taking place. What they are communicating is “forgiveness” in a different sense than what I described above. They are saying they “let go” of burden/longing for justice for self-care.
8. As I mentioned earlier, the gospel speaks to this! The Gospel demands an exchange!
God [offended party] sets terms (Repentance & Faith) & we [Offender] must pursue the terms he has laid out if we want conciliation. His also offers REconciliation despite us being his enemies.
God [offended party] sets terms (Repentance & Faith) & we [Offender] must pursue the terms he has laid out if we want conciliation. His also offers REconciliation despite us being his enemies.
9. So what are some practical applications to this proper understanding of forgiveness. Well, for one, forgiveness doesn’t = restoration/reconciliation. A pastor can sin greatly, be forgiven, & that forgiveness does not obligate their restoration back to office/power position.
10. Relationally, a person can forgive someone who has offended them, conciliation take place, but that relationship not be restored to what it once was (reconciliation) due to the trust dynamic being profoundly violated. Forgiveness does not require restoration or reconciliation
