Narrowly, we think of politics as only relating to human government. However, it also has a much broader meaning. Politics also refers to the complexity of relationships between people in any society, even in churches. Whether we only look narrowly at government or more widely at all human relationships, successful politics must involve a very important principle which is so often forgotten - forgiveness. Jesus taught one of the greatest needs of human politics in Luke 17:1-10 - simple forgiveness. Why? Why do we need to forgive each other? Human systems of government have always promised more than they can deliver. No human society, even the Church, has ever been able to create utopia, perfection on earth. Such a flawless system is impossible as long as the people within it are imperfect, and so we must forgive or perish.
A Forgiving Community
Why did Jesus encourage us to forgive one another (Luke 17:1-10)? Why should we be forgiving? Offenses are normal. Sunday school teachers must forgive rowdy students and students must forgive overbearing teachers. Ever church seems to contain at least one bully who needs forgiveness for ungrace. Every choir or music group must forgive a lack of appreciation. Every new person must forgive the overzealous and pushy evangelists among us who think they must shove Christianity down others' throats. Every mother must forgive a son with tattoos and a rebellious streak and every father must forgive a daughter who went astray. Every child must forgive an imperfect parent and every grandparent must forgive the lack of honor shown. Every pastor must forgive the critics and every congregation must forgive the offense of preaching. Community involves offense. Forgiveness is the antidote.
Forgiving National Leaders
Christian conversation regarding national leaders is a travesty of unforgiveness. Yet, on the cross, Jesus said, Father forgive them, they know not what they do. How did we in the church let ourselves slide into such a state of graceless and merciless hatred when it comes to those in political office? How do we allow ourselves to pray “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” and at the same time spew forth hate-filled vitriol and constant accusations about our national leaders? In Luke 17:1-10 and many other places Jesus emphasized forgiveness. Are political leaders an exception to that Christian ideal? Do we live in a dreamland where we somehow believe that national leaders can actually be flawless? Do we really believe that salvation is possible through presidents and prime ministers instead of Jesus Christ?
What is Sin
When we think of sin, we assume that it is a religious word associated with God’s law or a religious definition of morality. That can be true, but a word most often used in the New Testament actually carries a broader meaning than our modern understanding of the word sin. For instance, in Luke 17:1-10 Jesus said that if a brother sins against you seven times a day and has a change of heart forgive him. The word for sin in this passage literally means to miss the mark, but was used in ancient Greek society to mean any kind of flaw. In the historical and textual context Jesus was referring to anything that causes an offense between people, not just the law of God. In any endeavor involving people there will be failings. The key is to forgive.
What is Forgiveness
In Luke 17:1-10 and many other places Jesus emphasized forgiveness. What does it mean to forgive? In a brutal world with wars, destructive political rhetoric and road rage is there room for forgiveness? Even in businesses that attempt to be positive, mistakes are described as opportunities to improve, not as forgivable. Yet, we describe a forgiving tennis racket as one that allows error or weakness. In human relations, forgiving is giving something up. It is giving up the resentment or expectation of punishment or repayment for real or imagined wrongs. It means giving up anger and hatred. When we forgive, we also do immeasurable good for our own mental and emotional health. Unforgiveness creates dysfunctional politics, families and churches. Forgiveness creates healthy nations, families and churches. Maybe that’s why Jesus said to forgive each other seven times a day.
The Grace-Filled Christian
A lot of Christians claim to be spirit-filled, but how many really are grace-filled? When our political leaders are bombarded by Christians with accusations where is the grace? When Christians fight over picky issues of doctrine where is the grace? When church members criticize each other and denigrate church leadership where is the grace? When ordinary people with all their foibles and weaknesses do not find a safe haven in local churches where is the grace? Luke 17:1-10 says that occasions to stumble and criticize and sin are bound to come. Is one small step towards becoming grace-filled Christians simply learning to forgive always? Can we forgive our national leaders, our local leaders, our church leaders and each other? Can we show grace instead of bitter rancor and cynical criticism? Where is the forgiveness? Where is the grace-filled Christian?
When Tradition Tempts to Sin
What happens when church traditions stand in the way of the Gospel or tempt people to sin? What about the tradition of mandatory celibacy in some churches? Does it tempt people to sexual sins? What about traditions that place an obstacle course in the way of the Gospel and stunt church growth? Can denominational administration be so heavy handed or pedantic that it tempts local churches to rebel? Can music be so tradition bound that it insults the tastes of moderns who are frustrated and tempted to leave? Can denominational disciplines be so burdensome that they create more problems than they solve? Grace-filled Christians must learn to forgive those over them in the Lord. In Luke 17:1-10 Jesus warns that sorrow awaits those who cause temptations and that those who are frustrated by such human weakness ought to forgive.
Acting like a Christian
How many times have we heard criticisms leveled at the Christian community. A frequent critique is that somebody was not acting like a Christian. These are usually made by people in or outside the Church who seem to assume that Christians are supposed to behave in a certain manner. Misconceptions about Christianity are common even in the Church. Christianity judged by outward appearance or behavior can be a form of legalism. Real Christianity has a lot to do with a change which occurs on the inside, in the heart. Naturally, certain behaviors will become evident after a change of heart. Anyone can put on an act. However, real Christianity is not an act. It includes some characteristics which are impossible to pretend for long, such as forgiveness. In order to forgive, a measure of faith is required (Luke 17:1-10).
Miracle of Forgiveness
Some Christians want the buzz of miracles and signs and wonders. They look to hyperbolic statements such as those found in Luke 17:1-10 where Jesus describes how little faith it takes to move a tree. However, they don’t look at the context in which those statements are made. A form of naive and immature Christianity makes outward signs and visible miracles a measure of faith. Real faith is not in observable things but in things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is so easy to forget warnings about an evil and adulterous generation that seeks after a sign (Matthew 12:39). The comment about faith to move a tree comes right after Jesus’ challenge to forgive seven times a day. Forgiving others is hard. It is not natural. A real miracle that requires uprooting is unforgiveness in our hearts.
Graceless Churches
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| Unbinding Your Church |
Some churches are stiff and unbending in their approach to life. They don’t tolerate ordinary human beings. Children are told to be seen and not heard. They do not enjoy church or Sunday School and leave. Ordinary activity is frowned upon. Morals and right behavior rather than grace and mercy are the standard. Those with less than perfect lives leave finding no love or acceptance. In Luke 17:1-10 we read of the necessity to forgive seven times a day, a metaphor for complete forgiveness. Church life involves rubbing shoulders with people who have different opinions and personalities. Churches that are judgmental and harsh, that do not love children as Jesus did, that do not accept others despite differences of opinions on lesser issues, do not survive. Only grace and forgiveness provide opportunity for human relationships to survive and thrive.
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