Posted by Doug Showalter on September 18, 1998 at 23:49:35:
In Reply to: Forgiving Murderer's posted by B. Holt on September 18, 1998 at 15:23:37:
1. Jesus calls us to forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times, implying that we should always be forgiving--Matthew 18:22. Basically, Jesus doesn't say that forgiveness should be extended only to certain people and only for certain acts. While on the cross, Jesus asked God to forgive those who soon would be responsible for his death--Luke 23:34 If Jesus can do that, isn't it also possible for us to forgive those who commit murder?
I believe Christians can forgive murderers, even if a major reason for doing it is to free the forgiver from continuing to carry the pain and the nightmare of the murder in question. Such forgiveness is on a personal level. It does not necessarily exempt the murderer from society's demand for justice.
2. Your question seems like a contradiction. In my mind forgiveness means inner peace in the heart of the forgiver. It does not equate to punishment.
Is reform an aim of punishment? Sometimes, or perhaps all too often, punishment is inflicted only for its own sake, on those who do wrong. No real consideration is given to how the individual's life can be transformed in a positive way. As people say, "toss him in jail, and throw away the key." But I don't believe that would have been Jesus' view. I believe the whole gospel is about life transformation and getting "another chance."
Good luck,
Doug Showalter