I have often thought that if life were like a cartoon, I could straighten out people very easily. Here's what I mean; like in a Popeye cartoon, whereby Brutus the bad guy does something bad, Popeye eats his spiniah gains enough strenght to whack the daylights out of Brutus and set things right again. The hero comes to the rescue. That is the main message that makes us feel good. But the subtle underlying message is Popeye is exacting revenge on Brutus for some wrong Brutus has inflicted on Popeye or his family (remember Olive Oil?). Let's be truthful, we all would like to be like Popeye, setting people straight in our own way the wrongs that have been inflicted on us. This seems more "real" than just forgiving and learning to walk away.

This Sunday, I got hit with the reality of gut wenching costly forgiveness. This is perhaps the most difficult Christian virtues to master because it goes against the culture we live in and the sin of revenge that is so tantalizing. It is easier to retaliate and beg for forgiveness later. But this method is a shame. A cover up for because secretly we want to be God and exact punishment on our offenders. Forgiveness is costly. It will cost us to not to pursue our rights. It will cost us to swallow the taste of bitterness of humility. It will cost us to seem foolish. At times, it seems the price seems much more than we can afford. 

In the sermon Sunday Jason related the story of the woman who forgave (and I do mean forgave) the assailants who killed her son and husband under the guise of Apartheid.  I was struck with the fact that forgiveness she offered to her those responsible was undoubtedly stronger than the chains of revenge, hatred, vindictive, malicious behavior we (all people, Christian or not) naturally want to exhibit back at those who offend us. This woman chose to release her "rights" to be angry and resentful and chose rather to extend forgiveness. You won't find a story line like this in a Popeye cartoon.

Last, the reality of the normative Christian response when offended was presented in human form by Nate Chandler who was shot in the head by a random, senseless driveby while returning home from enjoying an social outing with friends. Nate underwent extensive surgery to save his life. Today Nate is in extensive rehab relearning simple human skills such as walking, feeding himself, dressing himself, etc. Nate spoke from his heart about extending forgiveness. He stated he prays for his assiliants daily. How is this possible I think? But I believe he means it. Nate was only a few months into his discipleship faith when this occurred. I concluded that Nate is much more a disciple of Christ than I am. I walked out of church shaking my head in disbelief of God's work in Nate's life but encouraged that I too must continue to strive to choose to forgive and move on with my life no matter the cost! 

I have concluded that Popeye has it wrong. Setting Brutus straight is not the benchmark of good triumphing over evil. Rather extending forgiveness and love when offended no matter how difficult is the minimum requirement of the Christian life and bring forth the greater victory. Holler back with your thoughts.