I found it very interesting that the People of the Second Chance chose Mel Gibson as their latest Never Beyond Poster Series choice… but after all the controversy that he’s caused, not so surprising.
His first movie, Passion of the Christ caused a large uprising of emotions, followed by his anti-semantic rants which made him a complete outcast around here…. Israel that is.
Yes, I live in the one country that probably hates him the most.
And to be honest with you, most of that hatred comes from one particular group… the Ultra Orthodox Jews (Heredi).
His new movie, the story about Judah Maccabee, has only outraged them even more, and to say there is no love lost between Mel and the Heredi is an understatement. Sadly, second Chances are NO WHERE to be found on this side of the ocean.
Which leads me to my question of “Who do I struggle to give a Second Chance to?”
…and the answer ironically is: them. The Heredi…
Living in Israel, I have seen and experienced first hand the struggle to love and show grace to this group of people. The very same ones who are furious with Mel for his bigotry and hate-filled Jewish comments repeat the pattern by showing bigotry and hate-filled comments about various groups outside of the Orthodox Community. I have seen countless videos, news reports, and with with my own eyes have witnessed the wrath of the Heredi.
So what makes Mel’s bigotry any different than the Heredi’s? Is his hatred any different than theirs? Should I give them the benefit of the doubt when they are throwing their stones?
Although I struggle in showing them love and grace, I know I must. HE sacrificed everything not only for me, but for them.
Especially for them. and for Mel too.
So, they both deserve a second chance. And a third, and a fourth, and a fifth….. Because how many more chances have I received from HIM!?!