Forgiveness

 Forgiveness.

Oh how many times I’ve heard that word; or at least some variation. 

Forgive the sinner.

Forgive the abuse. 

Forgiveness is what proves your Christianity.

Forgive like Jesus forgave you. 

Turn the other cheek.

Look the other way. 

He only did it once. 

She only said it twice .

Forgive. 

Forget. 

Repeat. 

Seventy times seven. 

Repeat.

When once turns to twice 

Twice to twenty 

Twenty to hundred 

Forgive.

Repeat. 

This gross misinterpretation of forgiveness has led us down to a path where no longer critically think.  We see ourselves as better for enduring tribulation and pride ourselves for forgiving over and over again. 

When really forgiving is not about them at all. 

It is about you. 

Forgiveness gives YOU space to let go and heal. 

Forgiveness does not mean you continue to keep yourself in unsafe situations. 

Forgiveness does not mean you allow the person to continue harming over and over —as long as they ask forgiveness each time of course.

This is why predators and abusers love Christian world. Because they know 90% of the time they will be forgiven and allowed to continue in their ministry. They get to continue their lives -while their victims live in turmoil and trauma the rest of theirs. 

Stop the repeat. 

Expose the evil. 

We are long past seventy times seven. 

-Amber Schultz 2023