Once again this reminds me of a post made 3 years ago by Albion Girl (who doesn’t post on the forum anymore). Not knowing how to link, I’ll have to be satisfied in offering her quote of 5-14-07, from the thread “Deliver Us From Evil”:
“I always thought it was a mistake for those molested to seek their justice with money. It takes what should be a precious wound, one from which much love and good can spring and turn it into something for sale. It is much better to rely on God to sustain you in each and every way.”
I believe I understand clearly the meaning of Albion Girl’s post.
As for children, Judith Anne; anyone can understand the rage of a parent whose child has been grossly violated. But those of us who can understand can also know that vengeance is the Lord’s and that the old law of an eye for an eye has passed away in the New Covenant.
I am reminded now of St. Maria Goretti. She was a martyr-victim of her assailant; yet history now records that the same one who killed her was present at the ceremonies on the day she was proclaimed a saint. IIRC, not only had he experienced forgiveness, but—now in his old age—had lived a life of repentence and prayer.
Perhaps it is true that Albion Girl understood things welll.
***But those of us who can understand can also know that vengeance is the Lord’s and that the old law of an eye for an eye has passed away in the New Covenant.***
Vengeance yes.
But who is the agent of God’s wrath?
Romans 13 3-5 teaches: For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Understood. Great thoughts.
But I’m saying it AGAIN. I don’t get parents who demand that their child forgive the molester. I just don’t understand. The parent is in a very tough spot, must support the child, and protect the child.
Now, I understand that we must become like children; and I understand that children can teach us a lot about God’s redeeming Love. But I would never demand from a child that the child face and forgive a sex abuser.
When the child becomes an adult, I expect the child to have dealt with it, with the help of the parents and the law. Forgiveness, then, will have some meaning.
But children must not be told that they have to forgive. That is outrageous.
Ping
VERY VERY EXCELLENT.
I agree wholeheartedly.
There are a number of stories where whole families were murdered except maybe for a parent and one child out of a large family . . . or all the children . . . or some such
and the remaining Christian loved ones determined to forgiven the murderer and even to reach out to him in prison. Most have seen those murderers come to a Saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.
THAT IS THE GREATEST VENGEANCE—ON SATAN who
USED TO HAVE
the murderer under his evil sway.
Do you mean Alamo-girl? I haven't seen Albiongirl's posts in awhile. Or have I missed some of her posts? Hope she's well.