Where is the Golden Rule? Will our nation survive its current political strife? Sadly, we have embraced the philosophy of “do unto others, before they do unto you.” A Biblical perspective would say this problem stems from a lack of understanding forgiveness. Mankind is a mix of good and evil and being part of a community is important to all of us. We struggle to balance our desire for justice of wrongs against us and the desire for mercy when we wrong others. Forgiveness has the effect of restoring community rather than separating it.
Abraham Lincoln and his team of rivals is a great political example of leading people to restoration. Jesus introduced a whole new paradigm to the Jewish audience living under the Old Testament saying, “You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies…. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?” (Matthew 5:43,46)
Saving an injured relationship requires forgiveness before you can reconcile. Forgiveness is borne out of a true love for the other person. Further, you must be willing to sacrifice your own self-interest and bear the injustice upon yourself. This is the key to the whole New Testament. We all struggle with the human desire for revenge in anger and fear (in thought, word and deed) rather than denying the self-gratification of getting even. Our culture honors power, might and money, not humility nor a selfless standard of conduct. Sadly, we live a life of the “ends justifying the means” rather than speaking up and living out the Golden Rule.
The unique part of the New Testament is the potential to forgive others, seeing them as equals who are also struggling with a mix of good and evil, just like you. This perspective is possible by faith because God offers forgiveness, putting his anger regarding your evil upon the sacrifice of his son. An example of this concept is the success of the Civil Rights movement in the 60s using religious non-violent resistance despite church bombings, beatings and revenge by others.
Our first amendment right for civil discussions will not survive without forgiveness and reconciliation. Admitting our own evil and absorbing injustice is so counter to both our current secular and political cultures. What should we do? True forgiveness is not earned, nor lightly spoken (simply “forgive and forget”), but in seeing the heartfelt need to resolve the injustice. Resolution is found by taking the injustice upon yourself. No one said forgiveness and reconciliation is easy. Let’s start by being honest with ourselves and do our homework, starting here in Granby where we live.
Editors Note: Skip Mission has taught Bible classes in various venues in Granby.