Michael Vick and Forgiveness

Surprise, Michael Vick is going to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. He's essentially back in the NFL on a $1 million probationary trial. I've heard a lot of controversy about if he should play ball ever again. Many Eagle fans are apoplectic that a convicted animal abuser will be playing on their team.

Look, Vick committed a dastardly crime. He was convicted, sentenced and served his debt to society. He's shown remorse and committed to trying to help more dogs than he had a hand in hurting. He's asking for a second chance and he should get one. But let's say he wasn't remorseful, let's say he had not made that public plea for redemption. He would still deserve our forgiveness.


Forgiveness is something that, as a Christian, I believe we should hasten to give whether it's solicited or not. Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other." Michael Vick did a bad thing, a horrible thing. But he is not a bad person. Like the rest of us he is complicated. Some good in a terrific struggle against some bad. If faltering means the loss of any hope of ever being a positive member of society again, then we are all doomed (Think Moses or Malcolm X). I challenge people who count themselves as Christian to go beyond grudge holding. With glad hearts let us embrace forgiveness and wish our brother a bright future in Philly.