The last week has been, if it is possible, even more bewildering than the one before.

People I have known for years, and who would claim not to have a political bone in their bodies have been signing petitions, sharing gallows humour, fretting and worrying, and so on.

Among those I know, Christian, agnostic or atheist, there has been nothing aggressive or antagonistic, even when some strong views have been expressed.  But the news reports tell a very different story.

There is no doubt - if the experts are to be trusted, and in my view, usually they are - that we are in a mess. 

In trying hard not to blame - even though there has to be acceptance of responsibility and there will be consequences - I also choose to forgive.

How can I not - at the heart of Christianity is forgiveness, a God of endless second chances, a God who enters the mess we make and works with us to transform it, if only we will cooperate.

Forgiving doesn't say that what happened doesn't matter.  And it doesn't say that there are no consequences.  It says that despite everything I choose to hope, I choose to work for reconciliation, I choose to seek the good.

And 70 x 7 - so many times that I lose count?  At one extreme, that risks a fatalistic, doormat, victim mentality that allows itself abused because self-worth has been eroded.  At another, it trivialises the seriousness of the sin, implying that it is acceptable.  Surely the basis for endless forgiving is linked to a commitment to change - to name what is wrong and to work to repair or remake or reimagine an alternative.

Not enough to say "I forgive you" - though it is a vital place to start.  Forgiveness demands action on both sides if it is be more than mere tokenism.

Forgiveness is not a moment, it's a process - which maybe why the 70 x 7 is needful... because we are all flawed and failing, and even at our best will continue to stumble and fall, or to trip up others along the way.

God of endless forgiveness

Who pardons all who truly repent

Have mercy on me, a sinner

Amen