Podcast interview with author Etta B. Harbin — Extending The Scepter Of Forgiveness (Podcast interview)
To forgive or not to forgive is a dilemma that should not exist in Christendom. Some Christians have normalized the granting of forgiveness like an Oprah Winfrey giveaway in which everyone gets forgiveness based solely on the generosity of the giver. Others refuse to forgive even in the presence of irrefutable evidence that supports the accused’s innocence. Still others grant forgiveness based merely on how they feel about the offender. If they are a friend, if they are from the right neighborhood, if they are a person of means, or if the offender is in a position to advance their career, then the offenses will be forgiven with a smile. Finally, there are those who grant forgiveness based solely on the erroneous belief that God requires them to do so regardless of the action or inaction of the offender.
None of the above is consistent with God’s plan or purpose for the granting of forgiveness. Therefore, Christendom has no uniform standard of granting forgiveness because they have ignored God’s prototype and established their own. The granting of forgiveness, when applied outside of God’s procedure, can possibly result in irreparable harm to offenders and only feigned forgiveness on the part of the offended. Across denominational lines, Christendom must adopt and adapt herself to the sole God-ordained method for extending the scepter of forgiveness.