Forgiveness in Reality

It is easier to preach forgiveness than it is to practice it. Even disciples had trouble and asked Jesus how many times should a person be forgiven. I was told that the answer, seven times seven, should not be taken literally, but implies as many times as necessary. Christ also taught us to be harmless as doves, but wise as scorpions. Paul also wrote in his letters more than once, that although Christians need to be apart from the world, they need to be wise in the ways of the world, so as not to behave foolishly.

It would be foolish to forgive someone over and over just to be taken advantage of, over and over. I don't think Jesus would've wanted that for us. Forgiveness also needs to be tempered with a little wisdom, so that if someone continually takes advantage of our good nature, there is a reasonable and wise response. It took me a while to realize the most paradoxical passage in the Proverbs is exactly what is needed. To paraphrase the two verses, "Do not answer a fool or you will become like him. Answer a fool or otherwise he would think he is right." The passage seems paradoxical at first because we are counselled to do opposite things, when in fact, it tells us we should behave purposefully, not just in reaction to someone else's behavior.

We cannot respond to injustice by inflicting injustice on others, because, as Gandi put it so succintly, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." We have all offended someone at some time, whether unintentionally or otherwise, so as Jesus said to those people stoning the adulterous woman, "Let those among you without sin cast the first stone." Forgiveness is for us to earn and repay the same forgiveness that we have been given. We will be judged as we have judged others.

On the other hand, we cannot ignore injustice and let it go unchallenged, because, as Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "When there is even one man suffer from injustice, no one is safe." We need to be discerning, as wise as scorpions, and stand up against any injustices in the world, against anyone. When the good people fail to stand up and be the light for the world, we are all plunged into darkness.

We need to discern the difference between unintentional daily little annoyances, and deliberate intentional evil acts. Forgiveness is the lubricant that takes away the heat of inevitable friction in the crowded rushed world of today. Courage and discernment to stand up calmly but firmly against intentional evil is the calling for saints. Most of us would do well if we can accomplish either some of the time.

It is never easy to tell people's intention. Christ's message is for us to give the benefit of the doubt, and be forgiving, but to also keep our eyes open, and not be blinded by sentimental feelings.