Chris Brauns - author of the book, "Unpacking Forgiveness - Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds", recently wrote a blog entitled "Forgiveness for an Evil, Dark Knight in Aurora". In that blog Chris stated:
"Forgiveness questions regarding James Holmes and the shooting in Aurora, CO will quickly surface in the aftermath of the evil... As is always the case, both in their own minds and in their interaction with others, Christians need to think through what has happened through a biblical worldview. Questions of the problem of evil, the sovereignty of God, and the appropriateness of forgiveness quickly enter the discussion. We need to be prepared to speak carefully and responsibly."
On the program today my guest will be Chris Brauns - senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, Illinois
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“ Great Sermon! ” This is an excellent talk on what real forgiveness is. Forgiveness has been misused and watered down of much of it's power and beauty in Christendom, (much like grace has.) This topic needs to be discussed more. Christians mix and mistake forgiveness with the concept of loving our enemies. Loving our enemies means we do not hate or be bitter towards our enemies, but love them, (a part of that loving is also holding out the gift of REAL forgiveness which is REDEEMING, not cheap and ineffective to change.) However forgiveness, always involve repentance on the part of the sinner. It cannot occur without repentance by the very definition of what it is, it is a two part process. People are using the wrong words and misrepresenting what forgiveness is. This misrepresentation is actually very damaging the the victims of other peoples sins. God is a God of justice and knowing God will avenge if the sinner does not repent is what frees us to be at peace (while always being ready to forgive is real repentence occurs.) It is also important to not that initial righteous anger in the face of evil and injustice is not wrong. (Jesus in the temple courtyard.) Offering immediate forgiveness absent of any repentance from the sinner is not from God but a subtle tactic from the enemy to minimise sin
