I’m currently working on a case study for one of my classes. It involves forgiveness. One of the “highly suggested books” to read is called Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns.  It’s an interesting book. The basic premise is that we are not called to forgive a person until they repent and ask for it. He states that is called Biblical forgiveness. He believes that forgiveness and reconciliation can never be separated and can only be given to a person who wants to be forgiven. He believes that Christians should always be ready to forgive.

He defines forgiveness as a commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequences are necessarily eliminated. (pp. 72)

His three basic ideas about forgiveness when dealing with an unrepentant offender are:

1. Resolve not to take revenge
2. Proactively show love
3. Don’t forgive the unrepentant,  but leave room for the wrath of God.

Of course, his third principle is the most controversial. He  quotes Romans 12: 17-21, especially verse 19 as his proof text. THose verses say,

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[d]says the Lord. ²⁰On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”^{[e] 21}Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (emphasis his)

So,  I know this is kind of unfair since you haven’t read the book (or maybe some of you have) but I’m curious what are you thoughts about his definition and his principles of dealing with the unrepentant person? Please don’t assume that I agree or disagree with the guy. I had to read the book and apply it the case study. I’m chewing on that paper now. I’ll look forward to your thoughts.

The book can be found at Amazon here.

I have a facebook friend who posted this as his status update. A friend of his wrote it in response to yesterday’s vote in Maine that repealed a law passed by the Maine legislature on marriage between homosexuals. I wonder what you think:

I want to give the church a big congratulations for their victory tonight in Maine.

Once again, you kept your eyes on the prize and won. I mean, why wouldn’t you win? You have G-d on your side! Your biggest talent lies in fundraising and your marketing departments never fail. Even though you could use a better PR department, you do a good enough job to get done what you want done. After all, fear is the best way to motivate people.

Tonight you’ve won Maine but you’ve lost the point.

Another 50,000 hungry people died today. Darfur continues. Shonda says she doesn’t need the man who just beat her and left her pregnant with another child. Church… you’ve won Maine but you’ve lost the point.

You’re no longer a place for comfort, healing, advice, direction, or peace. Rather, you’re just another political machine covered in your own filfthy agenda to make everyone look, act, love, and sound just like you through the use of fear.

Your hate is speaking louder than your love. Tonight, you’ve won Maine but you’ve lost the point.

I’m only asking you to comment on this article, not on the particular actions of the voters. Do you think this article is fair?* Do you think this is a fair comparison/contrast?

Thanks for participating.

*It should be noted that ‘gay-marriage’ has failed in 31 states now when put to the vote.