Forgiveness based on God’s Mercy or our Merit

“I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47 If I follow our culture’s promotion of relativism, then do I need to ask forgiveness when what I think is right clashes with what my friend...

Making Peace with People Who Hurt You

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 I am a middle child; in fact, I cannot be more “middle” – I am the third child of five with an older brother and older sister and a younger brother and a younger sister. I like...

The Perils of Unforgiveness

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt. 5:44) I recently read an article about a woman named Shaynna who enterered a funeral home and cut off the breasts, toe, locks of hair and slashed the forehead of a dead...

When Restorative Justice is not Possible

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24) I am grateful for the efforts that are happening today for victims and offenders of crime to experience healing and reconciliation. When I worked as a...

Do Your Boundaries Love or Self-Protect?

“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12) “What is love? Baby don’t hurt me. Don’t hurt me. No more.” As I have been reflecting on what to write about love this month, I cannot get this high school song from Haddaway out of my head!...