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By: Pastor Schlicht

They say “everyone deserves a second chance” but America may disagree in 2018. In light of Logan Paul’s infamous suicide forest video and the continued efforts of the “Time’s Up” movement, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in a culture’s understanding of forgiveness. One silver lining is the proof that God’s law is still written on the human heart; everyone agrees that ethical borders have been crossed. Posting a video mocking a suicide victim in a forest is objectively wrong; sexually harassing women is objectively wrong. The sin is obvious and even those outside the Church can agree on it. But what about forgiveness? Should it be allowed?

It’s a query that strikes me because the question itself has changed. No one is asking whether forgiveness is possible. We know that forgiveness can come quickly and can be quickly abused. And no one is asking whether forgiveness is a good thing. I think American society still generally agrees that forgiveness is a positive. The question now is much more practical. We have all seen insincere apologies and we know that the money is only donated after the deed has been done. Our society is not questioning the ethics of forgiveness itself, but the benefit. Is forgiveness, however good its nature and intention, a beneficial thing?

It is a fair question when you consider the repercussions. Should we allow Youtube creators to be forgiven if there is a possibility they will continue to post offensive and harmful content? Is allowing sexually abusive men back into the office or behind the camera going to make light of their offenses? Should you forgive that person in your life if there is a possibility they will hurt you again? Christians and non-religious alike are wondering “Should forgiveness be allowed?”

For the faithful, the answer lies in God’s definition of forgiveness. If we understand what God’s forgiveness is and what it is not, a clear way forward presents itself.

What does it mean to forgive? In the Bible, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” literally means “to let go,” as when a person does not demand payment for a debt. As the old KJV renders it, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Mt 6:12).” Likewise, in the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus pictures forgiveness as canceling a debt (Mt 18). We forgive others when we let go of resentment and give up any claim to be compensated for the hurt or loss we have suffered.

What does it NOT mean to forgive? It is not condoning the offense. The Bible actually condemns those who pretend that bad actions are harmless or acceptable (Is 5:20). It is not allowing others to take advantage of you. For example, say someone borrows money from you but wastes it. They cannot pay you but are truly sorry. You could forgive them by not harboring resentment, not continually holding it over them, and perhaps even canceling the debt altogether. However, you would not have to loan them more money if they ask again (Ps 37:21; Pr 14:15; 22:3; Gal 6:7). It does not mean you encourage continued willful and malicious sin. God does not forgive people who are willfully and maliciously sinning even if they would mouth the words, “I’m sorry.” God does not forgive those who refuse to admit their sin. (Acts 26:20; He 10:26). Finally, forgiveness is not an eraser of all consequences. Just ask King David. When God forgives us through Christ, he takes away the punishment we deserved for our sin and empowers us to change. He doesn’t rewind time or take away the earthly consequences we earn for ourselves.

So what about the “Times Up” perpetrators and Logan Paul? What about that friend who betrayed your confidence? “Should forgiveness be allowed?” Yes. We should forgive them. But the consequence of their actions may very well mean they cannot keep their job or make another video. Over time and a dedicated demonstration of the fruit of their repentance, perhaps they may regain their former position. However, the consequence of their sin may rightfully be a sorrowful end of that chapter in their life. In the meantime, we are asked to forgive others in light of our forgiveness in Christ. Do they deserve it? Not at all. Will they abuse it? Maybe. Does that stop God from offering forgiveness to you and me? No.

2018 will be an interesting year as our cultural wrestles with the possibility of forgiveness, but for followers of Christ it remains the same: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”