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changedagain
Yes, Hargrave and company always manage to dump guilt on the victims--or at least try to. Placing a requirement of forgiving your enemies (highlighting certain verses in Matt. 18) is just the latest manipulative tactic. The burden, of course, is once again placed on the wounded, while the transgressors refuse to specifically acknowledge their wrongdoing, and the havoc it has wreaked in people's lives. It's not working this time around. Fortunately, there is an immune system developing, with those further down the road in recovery helping the freshly wounded. Guilt-trips are being effectively resisted. People are on the path toward healing. Let it continue.
p.s. A friend of mine pointed out that the same chapter that mentions forgiveness also contains this ominous verse:
Matthew 18:6:
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
(so much for getting away with exploiting minors)
Changed, this is so important to point out the manipulative aspects of being told time and again that the burden for forgiveness is upon those who have been abused. And I'm so glad that your friend brought up Matthew 18:6 about harming little ones. Harming little ones, especially knowingly or repeatedly, is the most unforgivable sin in my mind.
If any of those perpetrators want to come before victims and their loved ones and confess their sins and beg forgiveness, and also be willing to pay the cost that justice demands, then perhaps. I would leave that up to the supreme judge of all.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 KJV
Forgiveness involves the offender repenting, confessing their sin and
asking for forgiveness. And not in a closed room under some bizarre context of pastor penitent privilege. I have not heard anything remotely resembling confession and repentence from leaders, former or present, of TLWF. I have not seen anyone turn themselves in to authorities and admit sexually abusing minors under their care. I have not heard anyone taking responsibility for knowingly allowing the abuse, and turning a blind eye to the little ones under their care. Where is the responsibility, then? It's not upon the little one who was victimized to carry the millstone off of their abuser's neck.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2019 11:39PM by Reepicheep.