Our current culture is not grounded in a social structure of forgiveness. It seems as though the Biblical truth of mankind's sin and its remedy of forgiveness by the Creator is not on many people's radar. For example, if someone in the political arena is discovered to have said something offensive recently or in years past, they are pounced upon and condemned as a bad person. The “cancel culture”, on the left and right, stand ready at the guillotine with a cry of “Off with their heads!” Slips of the tongue, unintended snubs, as well as truly inappropriate comments are all thrown together into the bubbling cauldron of offenses. Even if the guilty party apologizes, it's not enough.
Why is there such a loud outcry for punishment if a public offense has been committed? Perhaps the answer lies in a lack of awareness of grace. If the majority of a people don't believe they are sinners yet they see sin in others, someone must be punished and it ain't gonna be them. There is also a lack of awareness of redemption. There is an assumption that the offender will always behave in the same way. This cynical world view arises from a lack of experience of forgiveness and grace.
The gospel of the world seems to be –
“Not all have sinned and fallen short, (Some of us are perfect. It's always the other guy.)
and there is no glory of God.
We have to be perfect because there is no cover for sin.
We must have a scapegoat so that the sin of the evildoers is gone.”
On the other hand, the Gospel is –
“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
God's love covers a multitude of sins.
Sin is wiped away by the blood of Jesus.”
Ahh! what a breath of fresh air to hear that:
“Love keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5.
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God covered their sin and shame with animal skins and thus there was the first shedding of blood.
Let us humble ourselves and know who we are – sinners in need of a Savior.
“Oh, precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
– Mary Atwood