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ReprintIt was an odd headline for the front page given all the goings on in the world. Over the pictures of Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and others were the bold-type words, “Do you forgive them?”
My answer, honestly? Forgive them for what? There is nothing there for me to forgive.
First of all, I’m not God. Whatever sins they might or might not have committed against their Creator is not for me to know or adjudicate. I have no capacity to decide for the Almighty what absolution to offer.
Secondly, none of these men harmed me in any way. None libeled me, swindled me, betrayed me, or assaulted me. They owe me no debt, so there is no debt for me to forgive. To forgive them for offenses against others is presumptuous. It costs me nothing, and it does nothing to make whole those against whom the offenses were committed.
Speak of forgiveness to those whose purses were looted, whose trust was betrayed, whose hearts were broken, and whose safety was threatened. They are the ones who are empowered to either offer mercy or to ask for justice.
Let those whose lives were harmed decide whether to forgive. Let them seek justice if they are so inclined.
As for God, let those in the wrong seek forgiveness from that Source. As for my part, if the victims demand justice or offer forgiveness, I can live with their decisions either way.
