Forgiveness assumes one has sinned or wronged another. Without mercy, all of us would be doomed to have our lives defined by our worst decisions. Like Thomas in the New Testament, a disciple of Christ, who doubted after the Resurrection: We hear him called doubting Thomas. When Lazarus had died and Jesus informed the disciples he was going to the home of Lazarus, there was concern that the religious leaders would kill Jesus.
8“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” John 11:8, NIV. It was Thomas who responded: 16Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16.
Perhaps, the high point of Thomas’s life was the time he was ready to die for his Lord; yet, we remember the “doubting Thomas.”
Today names of buildings, certain statues, names of highways, etc., are being challenged because of a person’s past and perhaps the worst part of their life. A discussion may be needed about who and what we honor as a nation. I understand.
Perhaps what we should acknowledge is that if we judge people at the lowest point of their lives, or judge people based on our present historical context, we will get things wrong. We would have to rid the world of statues of the Apostles, such as Paul, Peter, Thomas, etc. Perhaps we would need to remove the book of Philemon from the New Testament. We may have to reconsider our stance on some Church Fathers who had a notable Anti-Semitic tone; and even consider famous scientists, black and white leaders, doctors, etc., who were and today are notably Anti-Semitic.
I am grateful I serve a God of a million second chances and more. I knew a missionary that hated the idea of going to the nation to which God called him. He hated the culture and by association the people. Much like Jonah and Nineveh, he was torn between the call and his prejudice. He went, and in a few years, he loved the culture, the people, the nation, the Jesus who called him, and was willing to die for the people. I remember him for the change that took place in his heart and not for the shame of his heart at his call. I could build a statue to his later life but not his former life.
I pray I am remembered for the good things I did in life and not for my lowest points in life. May we remember the brave Thomas willing to die for Christ, and not the doubt he displayed momentarily. Perhaps we should be like little children. Just a thought.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!