Forgiveness and the Christian role

I consider myself a thinker about the Christian Faith and my relationship to Jesus, the day laborer from Nazareth. I became fascinated with him in childhood and have never stopped thinking about him. He was a devout worshipper of Jehovah, the God of the Israelite people. Love, peace and kindness were near the heart of the faith that he practiced. I suggest another trait that was central to his thinking and living….forgiveness. It is his advocacy for forgiveness that sets him apart.

The list of his teachings about forgiveness is extensive. Peter is reported as coming to Jesus and asking a key question. “How many times must I forgive my brother? Is seven times enough?” The Jesus answer is plain and is not open to misunderstanding. “Seventy times seven,” a hyperbole that can only mean “endlessly!” One of my favorite parables is Jesus’ story of the forgiving father. (Luke 15.) Over the objections of a model obedient older son, an errant, rebellious younger son is welcomed home without penalty. No conditions. No lectures. Just forgiveness and a huge reconciliation party.

Sunday after Sunday with fellow believers I repeat the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. “Forgive us our sins (debts) as we forgive those who sin against us.” It is a repeat of the Golden Rule. Do to others as you would have them do to you. In Jesus’ kingdom of God, forgiveness was a two way street with everyone’s participation. Judging is set aside and forgiveness reigns supreme.

Next we look at Jesus as he is unfairly crucified. “I find no fault in him” was the judgment of Pilate. Pilate knew that an innocent man was about to be condemned to death. No charge against him could be substantiated. Jesus was cruelly killed by crucifixion. While hanging on the cross Jesus looked at his murderers and then turned his head toward the heavens. “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.”

Those who carried out the crime against Jesus, did not ask for forgiveness. They were doing what they were told to do by those who had authority over them. I cannot imagine a forgiveness more far reaching than the plea to God made by Jesus.

Apparently many people who identify themselves as Christians do not grasp the folly of punishment and do not know what they are doing when they participate in punishment rather than forgiveness. They do not know what they are doing! God in Christ just keeps on forgiving us in our ignorance.

American Christians live in two kingdoms, the United States and the kingdom of God on earth. In many ways the two kingdoms are compatible. We have many common values. I gladly embrace many of the laws of the United States. However, I have serious disagreements with my earthly nation. The United States of America is a nation of laws that are enforced. The Jesus kingdom also has laws that are to be taken seriously. However, the laws of our beloved earthly nation are enforced by penalty, punishment and a demand for restitution, while transgressions in God’s kingdom is greeted by forgiveness, restoration and encouragement to make a whole new beginning.

Freedom to start over is an inherent part of being a part of God’s kingdom. If a Christian believer does not get that clear and straight, he misunderstands what the good news gospel is about.Opportunity to start over is a gift without strings attached. Following Jesus asks us to forsake judgment and punishment and to become the advocates and practitioners of grace and forgiveness. The world needs us whether they know it or not.

Is there possible reconciliation between the two systems? This was the essential issue a small remnant of the Israelite nation addressed during their 70 year exile in Babylon in the 6th century BCE. The Israelite remnant at that time had no land; they had no wealth. They were slaves in a hostile environment. They had no status of power or privilege. They had nothing and had nothing to lose. They made a bold decision. They decided it was the will of their God that they should be servants rather than rulers. As a nation they had tried the path of power and wealth. The era of Kings David and Solomon had crashed. Their holy city and their temple were gone. The great debate of the Israel/Christian continues to this day. Are the people of God to be a servant people or should they be a ruling people?

Jesus was an advocate of the servant role. Jesus was a plain spokesman. “If anyone wants to be great, let him be a servant of all.” What is it in that statement that is unclear?

It is my argument that being a servant people and being a forgiving people are inseparable. The challenge of establishing the kingdom of God on earth begins with the challenge of role definition. The ideal of Jesus for the people of God was for them to be servants without tools other than love, servitude, grace, kindness and forgiveness.

Jesus never called his followers to pursue power and wealth. He has called us to be servants who advocate and practice forgiveness. The world is in constant need of new beginnings.

The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister who lives in Palmer. His email address is hdbss@mtaonline.net.