Forgiveness is the Best Revenge

Is forgiveness just about letting people off the hook, or is it something much deeper that restores our own humanity? Join Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they continue their series on the Lord’s Prayer, focusing on the challenging petition to forgive as we have been forgiven. From recent headlines involving the Southern Baptist Convention to the radical math of Jesus’s parables, we explore what it truly means to abandon the ledger system of life.In this episode, we tackle common misconceptions about forgiveness. We discuss why it does not mean excusing abuse or ignoring the need for justice, but rather refusing to let vengeance poison our souls. Mike shares his personal practice for releasing grievances, while Tim reflects on powerful lessons learned from working with people in the prison system. Whether you are struggling with a minor slight or a deep betrayal, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the fuel that human community needs to run on.Chapters:0:00 Intro and Summer Catch Up3:45 The SBC Amendment and Women in Ministry9:20 Institutional Control and Religious Legalism12:50 Special Guest Seth Erre Joins the Show17:40 The Lord’s Prayer: Forgive Us Our Debts22:15 Why Jesus Links Our Forgiveness to Others26:30 Forgiveness vs Justice: Draining the Vengeance31:45 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant36:10 The Math of Unrepayable Debt41:50 Choosing to Abandon the Ledger System46:30 What Forgiveness Is Not: Dispelling the Myths51:15 The Bag of Cement: Four Ways We Handle Hurt56:40 Practical Steps to Actually Forgive1:01:00 Repentance as a Posture of Restoration1:02:34 Outro and How to Support the ShowWe are so grateful for your support in making these conversations possible. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who might need to hear it today. You can find more resources and support our non-profit work at our website or via the Patreon and Tithely links.As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy