Forgiveness is a weapon that disarms the enemy on all fronts. It is a central Christian practice, and yet it can easily be misunderstood and distorted for selfish gain. Recently, Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Mike Pence gave a speech at Liberty University, in which he appealed to Christian forgiveness as a justification for continuing to support Donald Trump. This appeal, however, is distorted and manipulative.
Forgiveness is indeed central to Christianity. For example, it is at the heart of the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us” (Mt. 6:9-15). We are also called to forgive “not seven times, but...seventy-seven times” (Mt. 18:22). Forgiveness conquers the imprisoned part of ourselves that would rather be right than free. When we say “Yes” to forgiveness as Christians, we move toward freedom and away from captivity in sin.
Pence’s appeal, however, is manipulative because it presumes that forgiveness leads to a particular action: continued support for Donald Trump. But forgiveness leads to freedom, not bondage, and when people forgive, they can think more clearly about political candidates. Mike Pence noted that he did not condone Donald Trump’s sexist, disparaging remarks from 2005, nor did forgiveness imply approval of those behaviors. This is good. But Christians are called to forgive Donald Trump—like all others—independently of determinations about his suitability for office. The Christian call to forgive is an entirely different question than whether or not we continue to give governmental leaders our support.
Political support is a decision that Christians make on grounds other than forgiveness, such as experience, words, history, actions, character, etc…. And forgiveness may indeed pave the way for continued support for someone who believes that Mr. Trump is the best candidate for the job. But we do not forget past behaviors when discerning suitability for office. We can continue to give support, or we can withdraw support, both while forgiving others their sins! Let us not confuse forgiveness—which we are always called to as Christians—with holding leaders accountable. May we be on guard against Christian manipulation that arises from false teaching. In Christ we are forgiven, in Christ we forgive others, and in Christ we hold our leaders to account.
