For the first time since 1997, I was able to go on a trip for one purpose and one purpose only, relaxation. Let me tell you, I relaxed the heck out of that trip (Desin, FL is my new sanctuary). So, one morning I was watching The History Channel and one of my favorite shows came on, Gangland. If you haven't seen this show, do yourself a favor and watch it. It's a show that highlights some of our nation's best in the "world of gang bangers and crime-lords", great television. The episode that was on I had never seen before .... Skin-heads .... my favorite racists, so easy to make fun of these guys. Right when i was really starting to have fun chuckling at their awesome hair cuts, suspenders and combat boots (and their music, can not forget to mention their awesome music), I saw something that rattled my heart and spirit.
Right in the middle of the show, it highlighted two men... one man was a former, leading member of the Aryan Nation and the other was a homosexual man... they were both from Los Angeles. Twenty years ago these two men han an encounter, the homosexual man was a victim of the other man's hate crime. He and some of his friends were assaulted and beaten by an entire group of Aryans. Twenty years later, the Aryan had left "the nation" and become an outspoken opponent of his former life. One day the two men found themselves in the same focus group, a group put together to discuss forgiveness and tolerance. After the meetings began, the two men realized who each other was. The gay man said that he could never forgive the former Aryan, who could blame him, I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be the victim of a hate crime. Not long after the two men had their encounter, they were scheduled to speak to a group of students together, the ex-aryan stood up and said to the group, "I assaulted this man twenty years ago because he is homosexual, and for that I am truly sorry". At that moment the gay man knew in his heart that he could no longer hold on to anger and resentment, the two men are now friends and speak on forgiveness.
What an image of forgiveness, a homosexual man forgiving an ex-aryan for the hate crime committed against him. I knew I was watching something important, something that I think will forever change my attitude, it was simply one of those "wow, i get it" moments.
So what's our problem, why is it soo hard for believers to forgive other believers. I have seen churches ripped apart over stupid things. One church in my hometown split over a book... A BOOK. We will go down seperate aisles at the grocery store just to avoid seeing someone who has wronged us. Seriously, what's our problem?
What an image of forgiveness, a homosexual man forgiving an ex-aryan for the hate crime committed against him.
Which brings me to one of the hardest things I've ever posted ... God dealt with me heavily Thursda night over this issue. Seriously, what's my problem?? I'm beginning to see that I have unforgiveness inside of me. I have yet to forgive someone in my life, the funny thing I didn't even know that what I felt was wrong, didn't realize that I needed to forgive. I suppose that sense I was wronged, I felt as though I didn't have to forgive until they asked for it. That's not the case ... I need to deal with this stuff that's rooted deep within me. Jesus, as he was in the process of being beaten, spit on, murdered, said these words, "forgive them" ... when nobody was asking for it. They gloated over their actions, but Jesus CHOSE to forgive. Who am I not to make the same choice.
What an image of forgiveness, a homosexual man forgiving an ex-aryan for the hate crime committed against him.
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Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things that we are called to do. When we forgive, we feel better. When we forgive, it does not mean we have to forget. I don't mean that we get to bring up the issue again, not at all. For explanation, there are things that you forgive, but it would be unsafe to forget. I'm not explaining myself well...but to put it simply, if you were abused by someone you should forgive, but it would be unwise to forget and allow yourself or loved ones to be put in a situation where abuse could continue.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I enjoyed your post. It is amazing where the lessons in our life are taught.