I know. You are mad about the loan forgiveness program because, “It’s not fair. I had to work and scrimp to pay for my schooling. No one helped me.” And so you express your rage on social media at forgiveness in action.
How did you forget forgiveness is all about “unfairness.” Unfairness is what makes forgiveness forgiveness. The elder brother in Luke 15 cried “not fair.” But the Father assures him it will be okay. I know it’s not exactly the same. But if you will take a breath and think about it, you will see it’s close enough. Forgiveness is extended, the cry of “not fair” arises, but the Father says it will be okay.
Forgiveness has been the glad song of the church for centuries. It’s not fair that even though we’ve screwed up our lives, God helps us start over. Our past failures and mistakes are “buried in the sea of forgetfulness.” Not fair, but that’s the very nature of forgiveness.
- The theological economy of the church is about forgiveness.
- The mantra of the church is forgiverness.
- The song of the chiurch is forgivenss.
- The rally-cry of the church is forgiveness.
- The heart and soul of the church is forgivenss.
- The Gospel message is about forgivenss.
- God is a God of forgiveness.
But when forgiveness happens outside of the church, too many Christians are whining about it. Some are even angry. “It will increase my taxes.” “It will encourage people to be deadbeats.” I’ll not waste time listing the untold reasons for angst by the Christian community over forgiveness in action.
I have a suggestion for the Christians reading this. Instead of soundling like the elder brother in Luke 15, why not be like the Father? Why don’t we throw a party? Why don’t we kill the fastted calf? Why don’t we put a ring on their finger? Why don’t we rejoice with those experiencing the head-scratching joy called forgiveness?
“Yeah but…” Nope. Stop it. Just stop.
Don’t you realize that as you rain on their forgiveness parade, you are killing any hopes of reaching people outside the church? Hasn’t it occurred to you that by throwing a social media tantrum about forgiveness you are undermining the heart of the Gospel?
Forgiveness, whether it comes from a Republican, a Democrat, a husband, a wife, or God is reason for celebration.
Every time forgiveness is extended, God puts on His dancing shoes.
Let’s see, where did I put my dancing shoes?
I hope you find yours.
Well said…as always.