Editorial May 21, 2018 Issue

How divine Love fosters accountability and forgiveness

Barbara Vining

It’s not always easy to own up to wrong behavior. The human tendency is to hide the truth to protect oneself from humiliation and possible punishment. Anger, resentment, or disgust on the part of others does not make it easier. Equally difficult can be choosing how to respond to wrong behavior on the part of another. We know we should forgive that person as we would want to be forgiven, but that can be a heart-rending struggle, especially if a violent act has hurt us or a loved one. See, for example, the feature article “Two mothers, a son’s death, and the struggle for forgiveness,” by Harry Bruinius, in The Christian Science Monitor Weekly, March 12, 2018.

So, what can strengthen us to be accountable for our own behavior, and also help us to forgive others, in a way that will lead to justice—and healing—for everyone?

A new avenue of thought opened up for me recently when I was praying about accountability and forgiveness. I thought of my mother’s unforgettable counsel: “If you don’t want anyone to know about it, don’t do it.” It brought to mind a childhood incident concerning my brother.

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Bible Lens—May 21–27, 2018