A Facade of Caring

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22 NIV).

The world is evil. (Peter, a neighborhood friend).

This Bible passage certainly indicates that we are to have a generous and forgiving spirit. I must admit I sometimes have difficulty with forgiveness especially when the offending action is not something in the distant past, but is ongoing and relief of abuse requires urgency. In our Good Shepard Sunday school class are members who live in an institutional setting. One of our members is rather young and is especially feisty. Often, I have seen him come to class so highly medicated and sedated as to barely be able to keep his head up. It is rather common for institutions (assisted living facilities, mental hospitals) to solve their problems with over-medication to remain in absolute control of their wards and keep them in utter subjection. Many “caring facades” have this hidden cruelty. In circular fashion, the resident's resultant stupor serves as self-evident proof that the mental functioning of the ward is impaired. In my own view, this is a serious matter and deserves inquiry. When abuse is underway, I find it especially difficult to forgive.

Print Page