“Grace always invites rather than demands reconciliation.” so true. God has invited us into relationship with Himself through Christ – and that is why we are free to chose to believe or not believe…

the authors state that there is a significant difference between reconciliation and conflict resolution in our relationships with each other. so maybe it is conflict resolution that is hindering people from experiencing a relationship with God? conflict resolution has been dealt with (the conflict was sin) and is no longer the problem – once we understand that Jesus took care of that at the cross… however, if believers don’t understand this and are confessing sins that have already been forgiven, do you think that perhaps they are stuck in conflict resolution with God…? and probably haven’t experienced reconciliation…?

To say Jesus waits before he forgives us is to suggest Jesus is holding onto our sins and offenses, and he is not. If neither God the Father nor God the Holy Spirit remembers our sins no more, you can be sure that neither does God the Son!

I fully grasp the point that telling an unrepentant person they are forgiven can be like throwing pearls before swine. I’m reminded of the movie Warrior where the old brother told the younger brother he had forgiven him years ago. That revelation did not go down well with the younger brother – he wasn’t interested in forgiveness. Nevertheless, it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance and God’s goodness is most clearly sin in the death and resurrection of Jesus – it’s seen in the cross where the Lamb of God carried the sins of the world.

I guess I wasn’t too troubled the first time I read this because I agree with the larger point being made, that the restoration of relationship is so much more than conflict resolution and that we need to look to God to heal our wounded hearts and not the offender. That is an excellent insight.

it’s in chapter 5, under “I tell the offender I have forgiven him when he repents for his sake” (fifth paragraph) ;)

It’s not uncommon to find little bits of theology that stick up like nails even in the very best books. I tend to see right past them if the book is largely on a good track, and I think The Cure is.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the freedom Jesus died to bring me into!

The Holy Spirit has simply and clearly confirmed through your post what the He has been showing me recently regarding some decidedly anti-Christ and anti-Christian statements and accusations made, astoundingly, by a member of an online email group of Christians I have been corresponding with. It is disconcerting to see and, as others in the group commend and support this person (through silence or responses), it becomes even moreso. I continue to contribute to this group because of the duty we have, as Christians, to love each other and not forsake coming together.

Then – you said it: “killing lies”. Yes. Make no mistake. Those in Christ who recognize and acknowledge the fullness of His person – the Son of God’s love, no less – and are willing to trust that HE IS GOOD and that HE IS FOR THEM (as demonstrated throughout and by His suffering and death) are fierce as Jesus was, so in love with the life He died to bring us are we! Made for elevation, we are as eagles, loving the fresh, bracing strength of the wind currents, loving the testing and building of our strength in them. As our breath mingles intimately with that life-giving breath of God, we soar. We cannot live as pigeons, content eating scraps on the ground or parakeets, content to sit, secure, behind bars.

True love supernaturally flows out of the Truth that is Christ – the Sun of righteousness – and not out of our sense of duty or obligation to demonstrate it. And that kind of love is so bright, it supernaturally scares bugs into retreat and burns up lies! We don’t do it; the power of God in us does. We don’t shrink from it but run toward it – run IN it, FLY in it, glorious and free! Halellujah!

AMAZING GRACE, indeed. Our Father God is so good and His love keeps on shining and shining. Who can refuse or hide from such fierce, undying love? Oh, our Lord and King – come! Maranatha!