Comments on: Death Comes for “the Arch”

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 22:58:33 +0000

In reply to Ivy Bulgin. You are absolutely right that "I am sorry" are probably the three most difficult words to say, and that we hear more about forgiveness than apology. You asked if I knew a biblical example of forgiveness without apology. The closest I know is Jesus on the cross, "Father forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." Interestingly, though, it's a prayer, not a direct granting of forgiveness. I dealt with this topic in the little book The Scandal of Forgiveness, which was largely adapted from What's So Amazing About Grace. Lewis Smedes's books on forgiveness are extremely helpful.

By: Berwyn

Berwyn — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 22:50:22 +0000

Philip, I commented in an earlier blog that your memoir, Where the Light Fell, moved me deeply. In particular, your lessons about grace became even more poignant when I understood the painful family and church situations you lived through.

I have been re-reading What’s So Amazing about Grace after reading your memoir, and this time when I got to the part about Margaret and Michael, I had more context and understood that they were your mother and brother, Marshall. This was a gut-wrenching realization. And considering your own strong, sure faith, it’s perplexing to think of them not caught up in the “scandal” of grace and forgiveness you have been exploring so eloquently for decades.

As I relate your experiences to some with my own family, I’m trying to understand why, when presented with such amazing and powerful gifts of healing and reconciliation, some continue to refuse them — even in the name of Jesus.

I am praying for Margaret and Marshall as I pray for my own family for — I’m not even sure what terms to use — for insight, revelation, openness, acceptance of God’s grace.

By: John MacIntyre

John MacIntyre — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 19:28:01 +0000

Jesus came from the Father, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14) – not just grace but grace and truth. How the conjunction of truth with grace informs the ministry of grace is something I struggle to understand. Could the life of Desmond Tutu be a prophetic answer? Your tribute, Philip, leads me to believe that it can.

By: Ken Steckert

Ken Steckert — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:28:33 +0000

As many others have replied, thank you for this tribute to Desmond Tutu.

By: Ivy Bulgin

Ivy Bulgin — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:56:15 +0000

Mr. Yancey, you are my absolute favourite of Christian writers. I believe in forgiveness and I have read so much literature and listened to so many sermons on forgiveness. However, I believe that too many Christians who hurt others play the victim and hide behind the one who is hurt need to forgive, that they take no responsibility for hurting others. In my reality, Christians are highly reluctant to use the phrase “I am sorry”. In a discussion on this topic, I heard one of my church brothers say he could never apologize to anyone. I am yet to hear anyone preaching about the necessity and importance of using this phrase. I have asked my pastor to preach a sermon on this and I am still waiting to hear it. So, for the most part, do we really forgive, or do we just file our hurts and tolerate one another for peace sake so that we will appear as good Christians? My pastor teaches that when you forgive, you trust the person who hurt you just as if he/she did not hurt you. I am a realist Mr. Yancey, I have a long way to go to get to that level. And I know my pastor! Hurt him and you become the topic for his next sermon.
Mr. Yancey, I have been reading the Bible to find an instance where forgiveness is given without repentance. The favourite example of forgiveness for pastors is the story of “The Prodigal Son” but I have noted one thing that hardly gets mentioned, if ever; the wayward son said he was sorry. O yes, the father ran to meet him but I have often wondered how he would have reacted if the boy had said, “My money is done, I’m back for more old man.”
Will God forgive anyone who does not repent? “Forgiveness is by volition.” So is repentance. That was why Jesus had to let the rich young man walk away even though He loved him so much.
So Mr. Yancey, how important and necessary is it for Christians who knowingly hurt others to apologize? Like everyone else, I have been hurt by many people and I have no desire for vengeance nor do I hate them but it sure would have been nice to hear one Christian say, “I am sorry.”
Please help me, I am desperate to understand.

By: Colin Rogers

Colin Rogers — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:06:08 +0000

I was dreading the day Desmond Tutu died as after Mandela he was the greatest high profile person on the planet. I should have faith however that he has sown a great many seeds that will emerge today and in the future to usher in a tidal wave of love and forgiveness amongst all of us regardless of faith, non faith, skin colour or bad decisions we have made. Fortunately he’s written some tremendous books for us to enjoy. “The Book of Joy” with his friend the Dahli Lama and “The book of Forgiving” with his daughter Mpho to name but just two.

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:02:03 +0000

In reply to Andrew Parris. That's an intriguing idea. Thank you.

By: Andrew Parris

Andrew Parris — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 16:33:20 +0000

Dear Philip, thank you for this reflection, and for so many others as well. I addressed this theme, too, in my recent Friends & Family letter, in reflecting on Romans 12. I so appreciate your thoughtful presentation of important people and ideas, and what they mean for us. Have you thought about interviewing or being interviewed by Jordan Peterson? I think you two would get along splendidly, and be able to both learn from one another and share thoughts and ideas that will teach, inspire and encourage many. I suggested this to Jordan Peterson on Reddit (I doubt that he read it, but in any case, I thought I would leave the idea for him – and here for you). Blessings. – Andrew

By: Mark Marstaller

Mark Marstaller — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:52:04 +0000

Great article. Humbling to know what our God can do through the life of one of His servants. “Arch” was certainly a willing vessel through which God could pour his love, forgiveness, and healing.

By: Berwyn

Berwyn — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 04:10:57 +0000

A beautiful tribute. Thank you.