Running Head: THE TARDY ROAD TO FOGIVENESS 1
The Tardy Road To Forgiveness
Maurine Karichu
Liberty University Online
THE TARDY ROAD TO FORGIVENESS 2
The Tardy Road To Forgiveness
Introduction
The word Tardy as defined by the Webster dictionary means slow to act or respond.
When it comes to the raw issue of forgiveness, humankind tends to be sluggish in the
repatriation process. In the face of conflict, one is either left better or bitter. How then does
one get to enjoy healthy relationships amidst conflict arising? This essay will seek to address
the process of forgiveness with emphasis on scriptural guidance.
Lewis B. Smedes, in his book Forgive And Forget: Healing The Hurts We Don’t
Deserve, states, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
This quote is an ingenious way of explaining what lack of forgiveness or bitterness does to an
individual. He likens it to becoming a prisoner of one's circumstances, more like been locked
up in an abyss that one did not even know he had the power to flee from. Bitterness is often
rooted and anchored at the very core of what one chooses not to let go of. Just like an ancient
tree whose roots are deeply seated in layers upon layers in the ground, that becomes the very
nature of the heart whose roots are entangled in bitterness.
The Past As A Mirror To The soul
There are many prison blocks set up at the very core of humankind and cubed up in
different cells each apportioned to an offense from the past. Forgiveness is mainly a raw
subject that we mostly try to stay away from so as not to step on each other’s toes or worse
still open a can of worms. However, the sad reality is that many grow old and even end up
dead without resolving what triggered the pain, all while letting the pain eat them alive. What
then is the genesis towards forgiveness and healing; is there a correlation between the two?
From a theological perspective, forgiveness is forged around grace, that one receives
through faith in Christ. It is a transaction officiated by grace through faith and accepted only
THE TARDY ROAD TO FORGIVENESS 3
in a repentant heart. Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” is a
clear example that speaks to the heart of humankind. In this portion of scripture, Christ shows
us that none of us is exempt from falling short. If we are made of flesh and blood as
humankind, we are inclined to take on a path of self-destruction meaning that forgiveness
flows from self-first before reaching the next person.
Scholarly Facts On Forgiveness
Helmick et. al (2001) Rene Girard shows forgiveness in biblical history, law and
prophetic insight as three elements that are taken up in Jesus teachings. First, forgiveness is
the free and sovereign gift of a loving father, as revealed in a relationship described as a
covenant. Secondly, the realization that Jesus was understood to personify in the act of
forgiveness. Finally, a realization of repentance grows out of the release of forgiveness.
Girard’s’ point was to show the correlation between the blood and the covenant that could
never have a price tag on it. He also wanted to point out that whoever enters this covenant
must understand that there are replications of been a partaker of the same. Girard’s sentiments
would be likened to Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of
you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” A covenant
insinuates an exchange of one thing for another as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you
forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive
you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Following Girard’s last point on repentance growing out of a release of forgiveness,
Helmick et.al (2001), Hannah Arendt says that we were created with the power to remember
the past, but left powerless to change it, and that we are created with the power to imagine the
future but left powerless to control it. (p.11). This is a powerful and freeing statement to help
those that maybe bound to understand that there is an untouched future that they have the
capability to make the most out of. Just like an artist with a piece of canvas, armed with
THE TARDY ROAD TO FORGIVENESS 4
creativity, anyone can paint out a beautiful future. Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all
bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
One of the greatest theologians Karl Barth exponentially describes forgiveness in a very
figurative way. He talks of our individual relationship with our neighbor mirroring the very
nature of our God. Therefore, bringing reality closer home, he points out that a neighbor is
God in his incarnate facing us. In other words, if God were standing right in front of you, in a
confrontation, how would you deal with him? Would it be a tongue-lashing escapade or open
dialogue that would seek to build rather than tear down. Mark 12:31 “The second is this:
Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” "Karl
continues to say that a neighbor is an event taking place in the existence of a definite man. A
neighbor is a fellow man acting out towards self as a benefactor. Therefore, loving thy
neighbor means loving the reality that is painted out by him. That we are by design a gift to
each other to help us bring out each other’s identity and receive the restoration that is only
viable through each other.
Where Does The Healing Begin?
For forgiveness to sail through, there must be a realization of the error made, an apology
extended to show remorse, and an acceptance from the aggrieved party. Biblically a few
examples that stood out at the verge of death and that spoke volumes on forgiveness are as
seen in the death of Stephen and Jesus. Acts 7:59-60 “While they were stoning him, Stephen
prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do
not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. This verse presents an
episode where Stephen was brought in front of the Sanhedrin and his life is taken away in the
most brutal way. Here was a noble man whose faith had put him in harm’s way. Yet even
THE TARDY ROAD TO FORGIVENESS 5
then, he wouldn’t reject his faith. His heart shows one who had mastered the art of
forgiveness, which throws a challenge to Christians in general.
He was more concerned with the state of their souls as non -believers and therefore crying
out for mercy that the Lord would remember them and turn their hearts around. He did not
consider the evil that was directed at him; nor the excruciating pain he was in but his was just
a case of extended grace to the very last breath. Luke 23:34 4Jesus said, “Father, forgive
them, for they do not know what they are doing.” In this scripture Jesus also reacts in the very
same way Stephen did. As he writhed in pain, he did not hold the atrocities done unto him
against his assailants. It must have taken a lot of will power from him going by all that had
happened to him up until this moment. From the ridicule to the flogging yet he uttered
kindness and neither did any form of profanity leave his mouth.
Conclusion
The journey to forgiveness as brought out throughout the paper is one that involves
diligence and will power. The scriptures outlined thereof bring out a reciprocal perspective of
what is expected should one choose to forgive or not. Karl Barth sentiments propel individual
relationships into treating each other as a gift whose benefit goes both ways. In so doing, the
reality presented by others will not tear them too far apart so as not to find common ground
whenever there is conflict. People tend to treasure gifts that are given to them, hence
following Karl’s thought process, forgiveness too should be of estimable worth and value.
Just as no one is slow on purchasing gifts for a loved one during special events so should the
same principle be applied to forgiveness by not procrastinating.
THE TARDY ROAD TO FORGIVENESS 6
References
Bible Gateway passage: Proverbs 22 - New International Version. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs 22&version=NIV
Smedes, L. B. (1996, April 12). Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't
Deserve(Plus): Lewis B. Smedes: 9780061285820: Amazon.com: Books. Retrieved from
Harper one
Petersen, R.L., & Helmick, R.G. (2001). Forgiveness & reconciliation: Religion, public
policy & conflict transformation. Philadelphia, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
