News shook the National Football League last week when the star running back Kareem Hunt was unexpectedly suspended by the league and released by his team for alleged instances of assault. Shortly after his release Kareem sat down for an interview with ESPN and was quoted in a CNN article: "I'm asking for forgiveness and I definitely believe I deserve forgiveness," Hunt told ESPN. "Everything is really happening fast right now, and I just want everybody to forgive me." His perspective has me thinking about the nature of forgiveness.
It is common for people to feel sorry when they have done wrong, and especially when the are "in trouble" because of it. In Kareem Hunt's case being in trouble means losing employment, money, sponsorship, and endangers his future career. I am sure there are many NFL teams after the investigation concludes that would entertain the opportunity to offer Hunt a second chance because he is a young superstar. But the question comes to mind: does he deserve forgiveness? Is forgiveness something which can be earned or deserved?
It is evident the world has a different view of forgiveness than perspective provided by the Bible. God is righteous and all people are sinners unworthy of forgiveness, regardless how sorry we feel. Forgiveness from God - the full pardon of our offence and release of all guilt - cannot be earned by apologising, trying to do good, or pledging to do better. We are all guilty of sin and it is only by the grace of God we can be forgiven of all sin through repentance and faith in Jesus. Forgiveness is a gift we receive from God, not something we deserve.
Having been forgiven by God, all followers of Jesus have the duty of forgiving others as we have been forgiven. We do not forgive those who have wronged us because they have changed their ways, proved their loyalty, or apologised sincerely, but because God has freely and graciously forgiven us. We can all fall into the trap of thinking those who have offended us need to earn forgiveness, but it is to be freely given even as we have freely received it from God - without bitterness, resentment, or thinking the worst. Forgiveness is an act of faith in obedience to God because we trust Him, not because we believe others will never repeat their mistakes. If we make forgiveness something others must earn (or we are entitled to by our efforts) we make the grace and goodness of God of no effect.
It is common for people to feel sorry when they have done wrong, and especially when the are "in trouble" because of it. In Kareem Hunt's case being in trouble means losing employment, money, sponsorship, and endangers his future career. I am sure there are many NFL teams after the investigation concludes that would entertain the opportunity to offer Hunt a second chance because he is a young superstar. But the question comes to mind: does he deserve forgiveness? Is forgiveness something which can be earned or deserved?
It is evident the world has a different view of forgiveness than perspective provided by the Bible. God is righteous and all people are sinners unworthy of forgiveness, regardless how sorry we feel. Forgiveness from God - the full pardon of our offence and release of all guilt - cannot be earned by apologising, trying to do good, or pledging to do better. We are all guilty of sin and it is only by the grace of God we can be forgiven of all sin through repentance and faith in Jesus. Forgiveness is a gift we receive from God, not something we deserve.
Having been forgiven by God, all followers of Jesus have the duty of forgiving others as we have been forgiven. We do not forgive those who have wronged us because they have changed their ways, proved their loyalty, or apologised sincerely, but because God has freely and graciously forgiven us. We can all fall into the trap of thinking those who have offended us need to earn forgiveness, but it is to be freely given even as we have freely received it from God - without bitterness, resentment, or thinking the worst. Forgiveness is an act of faith in obedience to God because we trust Him, not because we believe others will never repeat their mistakes. If we make forgiveness something others must earn (or we are entitled to by our efforts) we make the grace and goodness of God of no effect.
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