Once there was one. When it all happened neither group really wanted
it. Now, each is glad to be free of the other. Christianity? Certainly not
grace.
One group has been (relatively) silent about it. The other has not.
Here is one side of the story. "We are the real representatives of this
tradition.. We all knew the stories that were going around. We could not
trust them. They were trying to change things - even clerical wear - it
was obvious they did not really belong. How could they have belonged
seeing they left us? Do they know how much they have hurt our faithful
people - God's people?
"They cannot possible be right seeing the church courts decided against
them - that says it all. And if they are wrong, their church is wrong - it
has no legitimacy. It would be a sin to countenance them in any way. Our
worst fears about them are confirmed. It just shows we were right to treat
them as we did. Before we can forgive them they must repent."
Here is the other side of the story. "We are the real representatives
of this tradition. We always knew how extreme they were. We could not
trust them. They gossiped and slandered - deliberately destroyed the
reputation of anyone who spoke against them. Their leaders manipulated
church courts, thinking the end justified the means. They were innately
suspicious - they needed something to fasten their suspicion onto.
"They cannot possibly be right when they usurp Christ's place as Lord
of the church and Lord of the conscience. Our worst fears were confirmed.
They manoeuvred us out - expelled us from our inheritance. They are still
telling lies about us and doing all they can to destroy us. Where is the
brotherly love? Before we forgive them they must repent."
So we both break Christ's command to love one another. (But that only
applies to Christians). All right. So we both break Christ's command to
love our enemy.
"And forgive one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven
you; if anyone has a quarrel against any."
It's obvious which side of the story is "wrong", isn't it? Can you find
it in your heart to forgive, even if "they" will never understand why you
did what you did, and reject your story as false? Leave it to God to deal
with their sin - it is not your place to forgive or condemn. But it has
affected you - and you are commanded to forgive that.
Would it be sin to forgive them? Only if your self or your church has
taken the place of Christ in your heart.
The alternative would be confirmation that the unforgiving are not the
children of God. And how should the (mutually) forgiven respond to one
another?
"Lord, have mercy on me a sinner."
Scotland today. Heaven or hell tomorrow?
