Let me see if I have this straight. Mel Gibson sins against the Jews and common decency, admits he is without excuse, swiftly and twice apologizes for it, admits to being an alcoholic, embarks on a program to get well, asks to be forgiven, and in humility offers to meet with those he has offended and seek their help on his long road to recovery. And still he is beyond redemption?
The Jewish scriptures say different. The Jews’ own King David committed many sins, including adultery and murder. The Psalms are filled with the king’s lament and cries for forgiveness. And he prayed as one trusting in his heavenly father’s mercy. He paid a price for his sin, but he also experienced God’s grace.
When I think of all the famous people who flaunt their sin and whose bad boy images are adored, I wonder about those who, in all their hypocrisy, think that judging and bashing Mel Gibson is good sport. I sincerely hope that it is not because he dared make a movie about Jesus the Redeemer.
If Barbara Walters doesn’t care to see another Gibson film, that’s her right. But to withhold forgiveness from the man as if he has committed an unpardonable sin is dark territory indeed. Christ said it quite plainly in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
Clint Kelly
Everett
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