The Unfrozen Hand

REFLECTIONS
September 14, 2008

The business of forgiveness is tricky at best. For to forgive, one has to give up the resentment held toward another for hurt done. Judgment on the other hand is quite easy. It requires only the self-understanding of whom or what is wrong or right, followed by the exercise of jumping to a conclusion.

Each day judgments are made without investigation and information. If you question the veracity of this statement, remember it the next time you are treated rudely by a sales clerk, or are cut off in traffic. We judge people by how they dress, where they live, how well they speak, their net worth, in short the list is practically endless. Judgments are made of every person we encounter and all events we experience; at times without the understanding that we are being judged as we are forming our judgments. Of course, judgment alone is not a bad thing. Sound judgment allows us to sense danger, evaluate possible helps and hindrances and make choices for our lives. Judgment which hurts is that based in fear and ignorance, one which places an unequal value of my view over yours, ours over theirs.

Songwriter Lindsay Buckingham wrote these words to a song titled Oh Well, “Don’t ask about the shape I’m in, I can’t sing, I’m not pretty and my legs are thin. But, don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to.” Pointed, more than profound, his words remind us of how we tend to operate far too often.

When Peter asked Jesus whether forgiving seven times was enough he, in fact, had exceeded the requirements of faith. The norm for the day was three or four, so Peter’s suggestion was nearly twice the practiced religious response. The response Jesus gave depending on translation is either seven times seventy, or seventy-seven. In either case the direction Jesus gave is clear. We are to act as ones who are loved, forgiven, and accepted. When evaluating ourselves and others, err on the side of loving-kindness. To do otherwise is to miss the mark.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601