Anger and Forgiveness

Who hasn't been wronged by someone unjustly in their lives? Ever since Cain killed Abel in Genesis 3, the world has been a place where sin has ruled and injustice has been the consequence. So it is natural that the creation would groan under the weight of the sin that man has brought on it (Romans 8:18-21). Even the one who came to set it right, Jesus the Messiah, was crucified by the very ones He came to save. If there were ever a time that a book such as this was needed, it is now. Violence has become the new "normal" today. An Internet search uncovered fifty-nine armed conflicts going on in the world today, with seven of the top fifteen wars active at the time of this writing being in Africa. Enter African Christians, and one is faced with a dilemma. What should one do when one has been forgiven by God through faith in Jesus Christ, and then suffers at the hand of those who, like Cain, claim the authority to be able to make their own judgments of what is right and what is wrong? Haven't there been times when we, like Peter, felt we had to take justice into our own hands when he used his sword to defend the One being arrested that night (Luke 22:49)? Dr. Mipo Dadang is just such a man. As a Nigerian believer, he has stood for his faith in Jesus Christ. He speaks deeply from his heart and personal experience as he addresses the theological perspective of a Christian's response to violence. His thoughtful response helps us think through how to suffer for Christ's sake while actively pursuing peace with those who are not followers of Jesus. This is a must-read for Christians who seek to imitate Christ. There is not even a hint of bravado in his writing; only simple humility in reflecting on the believer's reaction to his enemies. The power from his words comes only from holy boldness. Forgiveness is not child's play. While the modern cliché goes, "I will forgive but never forget," the author focuses our thoughts on the weakness of our own willingness to forgive. He challenges us to show God's grace in the same way and to the same extent that we have received it from God. This is a book the Christian will need to read and re-read.