Of Forgiveness Without Compromise – Opinion

Contemporary liberalism is plagued by a sinister thread, an insatiable bloodlust that demands ideological enemies be professionally and personally destroyed. This synchronizes with the modern liberal’s devotion to deflection, an insistence they are utterly blameless and only those on the right are capable of committing wrongdoing. Recent examples include Taylor Lorenz doxxing the Libs of TikTok’s account owner while claiming she did no such thing and she is, in fact, the victim of brutal assault. Lara Logan might be interested in speaking with Taylor Lorenz about this, but that’s another story.

A conservative outlook, especially one that is rooted in Judeo-Christian practices and beliefs, has a different orientation. Christ calls His followers to love the enemies of their enemy, but not in a meek submission to bullies. Paul the Apostle cites Proverbs.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he’s thirsty, offer him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Be strong and resist evil.

Jude observed in his brief epistle

But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

It’s not a case of always taking it. Taking action is an option, as Christ Himself demonstrated when He busted out his whuppin’ whip and cleared the Temple. Self-defense? Jesus demanded it. Yet with these, never discount or discard Christ’s command to forgive, starting with realizing we are but sinners saved by grace and in need of His forgiveness. This is how forgiveness becomes possible.

As I was assembling the most recent Cephas Hour (for the uninitiated, Cephas Hour is a podcast featuring the best of Christian rock and pop from then and now), I found myself thinking more in musical terms than lyrical themes, focusing on some relatively quieter tunes than the show’s standard fare. But, after the show had been completed, I realized a common theme was woven through many songs. Namely, forgiveness. Let’s take, for instance:

Old Sidney used to be a pirate
He has sailed all seven oceans
His crossbones flying high, his cannons firing and his crossbones flying high

For adventure, he’d rob.
The most powerful of all ships
He knew that this was the end of his life.

Well he’d steal the gold and sink the ships
His fame was for murder.
He did not leave any man alive.

He was filled with hate
He had blood in his eyes
This life was his last.

Sidney, save your life
You are the one who has committed sin in your heart
There are people who could change your life.
When there’s nowhere else to go

The sun set then, and the day was over.
Red color: swirl the colors
Sidney lay down on the bed.

He heard the Voice gently.
Talk softly to his ears
Sydney wept and shed over a million tears

“I love you,” said the Voice to him
“I died to set you free
I suffered that you might not feel this pain”

“As I bled the life I shed
Power to free you
For your deeds I took the total blame”

Sidney, save your life
You are the one who has committed sin in your heart
There are people who could change your life.
When there’s nowhere else to go

Old Sidney’s now a sailor
He can sail the seven seas
He has his smile shining brightly and his spirit flying high.
Adventure is his passion, and he loves to ride in the most powerful of boats
This sails the blessed journey to the skies

When my hands defy You
And my lips deny You
Please forgive me
Please forgive me

If I shut my eyes, You whisper words into me.
If my spirit is strong but my flesh is weak
Please forgive me
Please forgive me

The truth followed by a lie
My youth was a time when I wanted to be able to die.
Please forgive me
Please forgive me

Breaking a promise made to me
If I want to serve, but not take.
Please forgive me
Please forgive me

I beg you to forgive me for the blood of love in my hands
If no one can understand, please forgive me
Please forgive me

The present system of hell created to destroy us at all levels must be resisted with determination. Even though we are determined to resist the evil system, it is important that we remind our enemies of the consequences they face for actions they don’t know about. We should not speak out of malice. As Christ said to the invalid He healed at Bethesda, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” There is an eternity awaiting us all. Christ is a loving God, and He will also love those who refuse to follow Him. We must continue to witness in word and action. It is important to forgive without losing sight of the truth, in heaven as well as on Earth.