“Forgiveness . . . is moving the guilty from your hook to God’s hook.”- June Hunt
Today, in Chapter 3 of How to Forgive, June Hunt concludes her discussion of seven misunderstandings about forgiveness.
4. Forgiveness is not excusing the wrong or letting the guilty “get away with it.” Ms. Hunt states that all wrong behavior is wrong and without excuse. When we are wounded, the offense and the emotional pain we incur are real.
5. Forgiveness is not letting the guilty off the hook. Forgiveness is not letting the offender off the hook, but moving that offender from your hook to God’s hook. June points out that we don’t even have the ability to let our offender off the hook of the potential consequences he or she may have to face. However, we can take that person off our emotional hook, trusting God to deal with the offender in a way that is just and right. When we no longer feel compelled to throw stones, our hands are open to receive the good things God wants to give us.
6. Forgiveness is not being a “doormat” or a weak martyr. Ms. Hunt emphasizes that forgiveness is being strong enough to be Christlike- a sign of godly courage. As we forgive, we align ourselves with Christ, who offers us full forgiveness.
7. Forgiveness has nothing to do with “fairness.” When it comes to forgiveness, the word fairness can be a huge obstacle. We like the scales to balance. June explains God’s way:
“Forgiveness has nothing to do with fairness- or else it would not be forgiveness at all! Forgiveness is the unconditional dismissal of a debt. Forgiveness is dropping stones when the world says to throw stones.”
Today’s question: Which of June Hunt’s seven misconceptions of forgiveness resonate most with you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Learning to forgive”
