Yesterday, National Public Radio’s All Things Considered recognized the 45^th anniversary of the bombing of the 16^th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

It was on Sunday morning, September 15, 1963 that Christopher McNair and his wife Maxine lost their 11 year old daughter, Denise, in the blast that also took the lives of three other girls. The day, with its tragic losses, became an important turning point in the history of the American civil rights movement.

Now 82 years old, Christopher was asked to recall his memories of that Sunday morning.

As the interview drew to a close, the NPR interviewer gently asked Mr. McNair about the subject of the sermon for that day, “The Love that Forgives.” Christopher pointed out that the message was never given because the blast occurred between Sunday School and the morning worship service. The church clock is still frozen at 10:22. Then came the question, “Have you found it difficult to forgive?”

Christopher said something like, “I wouldn’t say that I’ve forgiven… but you have to rise above such things…”

The question reminded me of how many times I’ve heard the victims of terrible crime asked whether they have forgiven the person who took the life of a child, a parent or a dear friend. It also reminded me of how followers of Christ disagree among ourselves about whether it is our responsibility to unconditionally forgive everyone who does terrible things to those we love.

Assuming that we would all agree that bitterness and hatred are self-destructive and reflect poorly on our faith in Christ, I’d like to ask whether you think our Lord asks us to forgive everyone?

And, do we even know for sure whether God has forgiven the person or persons who rigged 19 sticks of dynamite to go off in the basement of the 16^th Street Baptist Church on 10:22, September 15, 1963?

Is forgiveness the only way to get bitterness and hatred out of our stomachs?

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