I love the analogy of your kids playing with markers.
There are real consequences to sin and when we conflate forgiveness and restoration (without boundaries), we sidestep these. One of the biggest consequences is broken trust.
I’ve had to think through this deeply with situations with unrepentant family members. It’s not easy!
Thank you for sharing, Rebekah! It really isn't easy. We often paint forgiveness as so black and white, but it requires so much discernment. This is why I really appreciate Brad Hambrick's book Making Sense of Forgiveness because he provides such a biblical and nuanced look at forgiveness.
This article meant so much to me as I attempt to overcome times of abuse and church hurt in my life. I've always been taught to almost blindly forgive and always thought, "How is that even possible?" I'm thankful for your writing on this that shows forgiveness doesn't have to mean I trust someone again, but that I can move on while trusting God instead.
I'm so grateful my words could help and encourage you, Heather. If you're looking for a more in-depth and nuanced look at this topic, I highly recommend Brad Hambrick's book "Making Sense of Forgiveness" and Wendy Alsup's book "I Forgive You."
Thank you for sharing!
Of course!
Beautifully conceived and written. Thank you.
Thank you for these kind words, Tina!
I love the analogy of your kids playing with markers.
There are real consequences to sin and when we conflate forgiveness and restoration (without boundaries), we sidestep these. One of the biggest consequences is broken trust.
I’ve had to think through this deeply with situations with unrepentant family members. It’s not easy!
Thank you for sharing, Rebekah! It really isn't easy. We often paint forgiveness as so black and white, but it requires so much discernment. This is why I really appreciate Brad Hambrick's book Making Sense of Forgiveness because he provides such a biblical and nuanced look at forgiveness.
This article meant so much to me as I attempt to overcome times of abuse and church hurt in my life. I've always been taught to almost blindly forgive and always thought, "How is that even possible?" I'm thankful for your writing on this that shows forgiveness doesn't have to mean I trust someone again, but that I can move on while trusting God instead.
I'm so grateful my words could help and encourage you, Heather. If you're looking for a more in-depth and nuanced look at this topic, I highly recommend Brad Hambrick's book "Making Sense of Forgiveness" and Wendy Alsup's book "I Forgive You."
Excellent article Lara!
Thank you for your kind words, Katie!!