Jesus forgives.  And as we saw in the previous post, Jesus forgave Peter for his betrayal.  But it begs the question, does forgiveness mean to treat someone as if something never happened?  Does forgiveness mean we have to trust them again?

NOT.  AT.  ALL.

It depends on the offense and the heart of the person.

For Peter, it was an issue of denying Christ in a moment of his death.  It was a stressful time and was for a moment.  Peter was deeply, deeply repentant and it showed by his life.  This is not the same as every other situation.

If a husband beats his wife, then asks forgiveness, should she easily just forgive and trust him again?  No.  He has violated her safety.

If a spouse cheats on their spouse, should forgiveness mean immediate trust?  No.  There has to be a time of rebuilding.

If someone sexually violates a child or a minor, does forgiveness mean trusting them around children?  Absolutely not.

There are many situations in which forgiveness can be granted, but that absolutely does not mean trusting is restored.  Trust is something that has to be rebuilt and proven with time.

Forgiveness is letting go of the bitterness and anger in our hearts and allowing justice to be given to God, or to the appropriate authorities.  It is a heart issue.

If someone commits murder or rape, we don’t just say we forgive them and let them be.  There is the place for justice.

But whether we put someone back near a situation depends on the nature of the crime.