Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Friday, 4 December 2020

Offenders and Offences

Perpetrators, offenders, offences; victims, offended, justice:

How do we think about offenders and their offences? It is not necessarily easy to hear, but Jesus imparted very direct teaching on offence and forgiveness. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us (Luke 11:4, NRSV). This, our request, is one example. But there is more: But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:15, NIV). My priority is asking God's forgiveness for me, and even for us, and forgiving any, just as we say we are doing. Note we are not saying "I forgive them that have asked me". However, if any victim is reading this, please be patient, and see further below. You do not deserve to be a victim. It can not be right to ask anyone to be a victim.

Tuesday, 1 December 2020