Opening Quote
“When a gentle word of persuasion has no effect, when people are so steeped in evil that they do not yield to any admonishment and continue doing evil, a Christian cannot and should not take refuge in this teaching of the forgiveness of all, sit indifferently with his arms crossed, and apathetically watch as evil abuses good, as it increases and destroys people, his close ones.”
— Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
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1. What This Teaching Really Means
Archbishop Averky confronts a false idea of forgiveness—the idea that believers should stay quiet and uninvolved while evil grows stronger.
He reminds us:
Forgiveness does not mean passivity.
Mercy does not mean tolerating destruction.
Love must protect, not simply overlook.
Evil grows when the righteous stay silent.
Biblical Examples
Jesus overturning the tables (Matthew 21)
Paul confronting Peter (Galatians 2)
Nathan confronting David
The Prophets speaking to kings
John the Baptist rebuking Herod
These are not acts of hatred.
They are acts of responsible love.
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2. Why Passive Forgiveness Causes Harm
When Christians refuse to confront evil:
They unintentionally allow it to spread.
They abandon those who are suffering.
They misrepresent Christ as timid rather than courageous.
The biblical and ancient Christian tradition calls this “cruel mercy.”
It looks gentle…
but it leaves people unprotected.
A Subtle Example (easy to relate to):
A parent who “forgives” a child’s destructive behavior but never corrects it isn’t being loving — they’re allowing the child’s heart to harden.
Another Example:
A church that refuses to confront a predator “for the sake of forgiveness” is actually enabling wickedness.
This is not grace.
This is negligence.
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3. The Real Christian Teaching
Forgive personally. Resist evil that harms others. Protect courageously.
Forgiveness: releasing personal bitterness.
Non-resistance in the heart: humility before God.
Resistance to external evil: love for neighbor.
Love isn’t soft.
Love has a backbone.
Biblical Parallels
“Resist the devil” (James 4:7)
“Expose the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11)
“Warn those who are idle and disruptive” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Shepherds protecting the flock (John 10)
These echo the boldness of the saints who confronted corruption, injustice, and false teaching—always with a pure heart, never with hatred.
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4. How This Applies to Real Life
In the Home
Forgiveness is vital, but refusing to address destructive behavior harms the family.
Example:
A spouse enabling addiction out of “gentleness” is not helping; true love requires truth.
At Work or Church
Example:
Seeing someone bullied or manipulated and saying nothing is not Christian meekness.
It is avoidance.
In Ministry
One must guard the vulnerable, confront false teaching gently but firmly, and uphold truth even when it costs something.
This is the courage of the apostles and the saints—the very model of Christian maturity.
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5. Action Steps (Simple, Practical, Doable)
1. Examine Your Heart
Ask:
Am I avoiding confrontation because I’m being loving?
Or because I’m being afraid or indifferent?
2. Forgive People Personally
Release bitterness — that is a command from Christ.
3. Set Boundaries When Evil Harms Others
A Christian must protect:
their family,
their church,
the overlooked and vulnerable.
4. Speak the Truth—Gently but Clearly
Not with anger.
Not with pride.
But with a steady voice.
5. Act With Courageous Love
Remember:
Jesus is the Lamb and the Lion.
Love comforts the wounded and confronts the wolves.
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6. Closing Encouragement
This teaching calls Christians to a balanced and mature faith:
Soft-hearted
Strong-handed
Forgiving
Courageous
Peace-loving
Evil-resisting
It is the Christianity of Scripture, the Apostles, and the saints — a faith that protects, heals, confronts, and restores.
