Today Bill Hybels concludes his presentation of three categories to help us determine our response to those who have wronged us (Chapter 5 of Simplify).
CATEGORY 3: Life- Shattering Injustices. Pastor Hybels defines a Category 3 wrongdoing as a “life- shattering injustice that comes your way, often out of nowhere, an unthinkable tragedy that forever changes the landscape of your life (for a noteworthy response to such injustice, read Victoria Ruvolo’s book “No Room for Vengeance” . . . In Justice and Healing).”
Working toward relational reconciliation minimizes the seeds of bitterness that could flourish in our hearts. Forgiveness for Category 3 offenses only is possible by God’s grace. Pastor Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, describes the two dimensions of forgiveness:
“There is your internal release of bitterness, anger, or desire for revenge, and there is the extension of mercy toward the one who has wronged you. Regarding your release of anger, bitterness, and desire for revenge, you must forgive. The more serious the wound, the longer the process may take. But failure to forgive in this sense gives power to the one who wronged you. . . . But in the second dimension of forgiveness . . . we may actually harm wrongdoers if we extend mercy too quickly. Wrestling with the hurt they have caused is part of their redemptive process, and for Christians, redemption should always be the goal.”
Today’s question: Which of the three categories of offenses have you experienced? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Peace busters”