Forgiveness in Amish country?

Question

The recent shootings in PA were tragic. The reactions of the Amish as reported by the media were to 'follow the teachings of Jesus' in forgiveness. We were urged to forgive and not hate the man responsible by those most closely affected. My question is, would Jesus really forgive this man? Remember Matthew 21:12; And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. Clearly Jesus, whatever you believe about him was able to take offense and react with passion. If sellers in the temple could offend him, how do you think he'd react to this senseless killing of children? Remeber, shortly thereafter, Matthew 21:16; And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast brought perfect praise'?" I'm asking as I try to deal with my own anger.

Answer 1

Compassion should be the first response of a Christian. Instead of reacting with anger to the events, ask yourself what kind of life this person must have had to be driven to do something so heinous. Also ask how you could show compassion to another to potentially save them from committing such an act. Sometimes it only takes one wrong word to set somebody off. Ask yourself if you provide that word or if you use words to diffuse the lower emotions of anger, jealousy, rage, etc.

Answer 2

Looks like Ohio Healer found Jim's "wrong words"!

I agree with Ohio Healer. Feeling anger is a choice, so why not choose compassion? Anger serves no useful purpose. When humans react from feelings of anger, situations only get worse.

Compassion does not imply absolution or agreement. It simply allows for the release of anger, which only hurts the person that carries it.

Answer 3

I don't know if Jesus would forgive him. The Amish say they will leave the judgment to God and we should all leave the speculation of what awaits the guy alone too. It upsets me too. But if the parents can forgive, so can I.

Answer 4

Jesus replaced into protecting the Temple, his father's homestead. He considered any disrespect shown the Temple replaced into to tutor disrespect for God. in this he replaced right into a warrior. Anger thro, eliminates you from the Grace of God. the only some time past is via Forgiveness.

Answer 5

"Jesus wept" comes to mind, friend.

I cannot possibly imagine how someone who reputedly had such compassion and kindness could react to such tragedy.

I know how I react:

I cry.

I hug my kids a little harder and try harder to keep my patience with them when I am cross, remembering how quickly what we have can be taken from us.

I try a little harder to understand those whose viewpoints are different from mine.

I express awe and admiration for people who are so secure in their faith, who live their faith so completely, that they are able to forgive. May they find as much comfort in that as it is possible.

Answer 6

Ohio healer: your statement carries with it an implicit absolution of personal responsibility for the perpetrator. His life and / or experiences therein do not explain, justify, nor excuse the behaviour. If Christians want to forgive this they are making themselves weak. Violence is the supreme authority from which all other forms of authority are derived (paraphrased from Starship Troopers).

Answer 7

the point is not necessarily whether Jesus would forgive this man-of course, anyone who truly repents will be forgiven-the point is what He instructs US to do, and that is to forgive...that community truly follows Christs's instructions in this situation

Answer 8

I agree with a_delphic_oracle on this question.
Let Jesus be the final judge.