What the World Needs

What the World Needs Now


Released in 1965, “What the World Needs Now is Love”, instantly became a hit.  Written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, this song fit the culture of the day.  I am not sure any of us would argue the premise that the world could use a lot more love.  I do think, though, that there probably would be a debate about what that love would look like.  Over the years, all of us have put our own spin on this song.  Understanding that love is always the best answer, we have sought to give our version of what side B would be (that is an old reference to vinyl albums that will be lost on many). Of course, the best answer is Jesus but let’s assume that, like love, that is a given answer.  My answer has often changed as I have tried to observe our culture.  Today, I think my side B would be, “What the World Needs Now is Forgiveness”.  I am not sure that it is the most poetic of answers but I think it is a good answer.
The greatest need the world has is the need to have the forgiveness that Jesus offers through his work on the cross.  Reconciling with God will always be our greatest need.  Of course, as with all forgiveness, that means that their has to be an offer of forgiveness and a recognition of a wrong by the guilty part.  God has offered his forgiveness.  We need to recognize our sin and accept his offer. That transaction of forgiveness is what the world needs now.
But the world also needs to be more open to forgiving each other.  That kind of forgiveness has its roots in the forgiveness of Jesus (see Matt 18 parable).  When we understand how much we have been forgiven by God, then we can find it in our hearts to forgive others.  But, when we as a culture begin to believe that those who have been wronged have the most power, then forgiveness is seen as giving up that power.  Forgiveness is, then, taboo.  The Bible speaks of forgiving those who have wronged you because it stops the cycle of evil and it negates the power of those who have done you evil.  Our culture, today, believes we should never forgive because it gives permission for others to do the same evil.  Thus, the cycle of violence and strife never ends. The concept of forgiving others has slowly left our culture.  But, instead of empowering victims, it only increases the anger and strife.  Creating more and more victims.
I am not saying that we should simply forgive those who have wronged us.  Forgiveness is a transaction that requires the two parties to agree that a wrong has been done and that forgiveness is desired.  If the one who has done wrong does not acknowledge the wrong, then the best we can do is seek to hold them accountable and to be ready to forgive if they seek reconciliation.  But if we throw out any idea that forgiveness can be had, then the anger and strife only increases.  The person who has done wrong can never do right and there is no hope of peace.  
Again, this all comes back to our forgiveness in Jesus.  Why should I forgive those who have done me wrong?  The reasons given without Christ will always fall short.  It will make you feel better or it will help society will soon be overcome by a hurt you experience that is too great to forgive.  The only way to truly forgive is to believe that you have been forgiven such a great debt that any other debt pales in comparison.  Our sin, against God, was far greater than any sin perpetuated against us.  It is out of that forgiveness that we are able to forgive others.  It is that freedom to forgive that releases us from the bondage of bitterness and hurt from others. Yes, it costs us something.  It is never easy.  But it is freeing.