The Only Way Forward Is Grace

History bears this out. Whether it’s the Holocaust, slavery, world wars, terrorist attacks, violent conflicts, mass shootings, church splits, or personal betrayals — the only way forward is grace. Forgiveness has the power to transform even the most hopeless situations. Miss this, and you miss the very heart of redemption. There is no future without forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).

We either become Jesus to people or jailers to them — restorative or retributive. We either live by infinite love or keep score like Peter, who asked, “Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it plainly: “Forgiveness isn’t an occasional act, but a permanent attitude” — a lifestyle, a new reality.

And here’s something we often overlook — the community is always watching how we respond to wrongs (Matthew 18:31). In Jesus’ parable, the other servants were “outraged” by the man’s lack of grace. They knew their master was generous and merciful, and this servant’s behavior violated their shared values.

Paul understood this community dimension when he sent Onesimus back to Philemon. Onesimus had wronged Philemon, fled to Rome, and met Paul, who led him to Christ. In a world where enslaved people were often skilled professionals and vital to their households, Onesimus’s flight was a serious loss. The real question wasn’t just whether Onesimus would make things right — whether Philemon and the watching community would extend forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not optional in the Kingdom of God. It’s the lifeblood of His community. Jesus has forgiven us — shouldn’t we forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)? Our peace, freedom,  joy, hope, and life rest on it.

Strong blessings,
Cedric
Traditionalwriter@yahoo.com