As I continue to post on Jones’ Embodying Forgiveness, I will share various reflections sparked by the book, quotations, and questions for further conversation. One question that is central to Jones’ thesis is this: Does Jesus in his teachings and actions concerning issues of repentance, teach and emobdy a forgiveness that makes too much difference? This is a question we most certainly should turn on ourselves. Does our gospel teach and embody so much forgiveness that it cheapens the sacrifice of the Son?
A second question is this: when we sin, should our first step be to be reconciled with the offended party or to be reconciled to God? If we grieve or offend a friend or spouse, have we neglected the path of true reconciliation to make amends with that friend or spouse first, and only then turn to confess our sin in repentance to God?
The story of Joseph’s temptation to have sex with his employer’s wife introduces the God-centered nature of our sin. He responds by saying he could not do it an sin against God, not his employer (Gen 39.9)! On the other hand, Jesus told his disciples that when they remember an offence when worshipping God, to leave God and be reconciled with man (Matt 5.23-4). Add to this the fact that in the OT, God forgave only Israel after they forgave one another and made restitution (Lev 6.1-7; Num 5). I believe part of the answer is in carefully discerning between intentional and unintentional, high-handed and cleanliness code sins. However, the question remains To whom should we be reconciled first?