Should a young man who is sentenced to a year in prison for stealing a car be allowed to return to society? To have a job?  Go to school?  To be forgiven? What about the serial thief who shoplifts food to feed her family? And after serving her fourth sentence for theft – she is released.  How about the 68 year old man who served 45 years in prison for killing a man in a bar fight? Forgiveness? Allowed to get a job? What if the 68 year old became a deacon of the church while in prison? And schooled young men on how not to behave? Can we forgive individuals who are accused of saying bad words — but not charged with crimes?  I’m just askin’ . . . . .

More and more people are being “canceled.” For speech or acts that are not illegal but are “offensive” to some. Should we forgive them?  Redemption?  A second chance?  Many on the left spring to forgive those in prison.  Even those who commit violent crimes.  Those who violate the law.   But those who use a bad word?  Or say something stupid? Even as a teenager?  Never.   As we know, people can be falsely accused. And freedom of speech is no longer a right according to some.

Did you ever do or say something you regret? I believe that each one of us is more than the worst thing we ever did.  Or said.  And that forgiveness — “Mulligans” if you will (see May 7, 2018) — can be justified.  Mercy – is one of the highest attributes of mankind.  So why not be generous in its dispensing?  Do you ever forgive a family member or friend for hurtful things said or done?  Then why not strangers when there is genuine contrition.  Sincere apology.  If you don’t believe that each one of us is more than the worst thing we ever did or said, then — may you be judged accordingly. . . . .