Charlie Brown Forgiveness

(Proverbs 26:25 KJV)  When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

The “he” of this verse is the hater of the previous verse.  I hope this does not describe me.  I don’t believe it does.  How about you?  Have you done a self check?  I do know that this describes many people I have around me and many I see on the news.  We have people in the public square who are motivated by hate and yet speak of love and peace.  They act “fair” (graciously NASB) (2603a).  This is an easy act for some people.  That is why it is important to watch the actions that go along with the talk.  Politicians can be this way.  Salesmen can be this way.  Family members can be this way.

This is a call to discernment.  We are told to forgive.  We are to be patient and not keep an account of wrongs.  At the same time we are to be as wise as servants.  I don’t think I need to quote the verses.  When someone has demonstrated their willingness to lie, do not believe them just because they claim to have changed.  Charles Schultz captured this so well in the yearly Peanuts cartoon where Lucy would talk him into kicking the football she was holding.  Year after year she yanks the ball away.  Year after year Charlie Brown trusted her one more time.

So?  Don’t be a Charlie Brown Christian.  Forgive.  That is demanded.  Wisdom says, “Don’t forget.  Once a liar, twice a liar, three times a liar probably means the person is a liar.”