Who needs to earn our forgiveness today? When Absalom killed his brother for harming their sister, he ran for his life. David did not try to harm his son, but he did, by holding him at arm's length.
Once again, one of David's friends used a dramatic story to get his attention. General Joab loved Absalom and wanted David to bring him home. After David heard the story, he consented to bring Absalom home from exile. But he would not look in his eyes.
Absalom eventually set a field on fire to get his dad's attention. David kissed him but never restored him. Later Absalom usurped the throne and tried to bring shame on his father's name. But when Absalom died, David's guilt compounded his grief.
Forgiveness need not be earned. Nor should it be gradual. Jesus taught that if we forgive others their sins, God will forgive ours. We all need to be forgiven, so we should all forgive. Shakespeare put it in a play, "The quality of mercy is not strained." Or it shouldn't be!
