Forgiving Chris Brown

The other day I came across Chris Brown’s new music video I Can Transform Ya. While I never was a huge Brown fan, the video reminded me of how he is a talented singer and dancer. Also, he looks like he is willing to put the past behind him and start over.

A few months ago on my personal blog I wrote about crime and celebrity, which sparked a great conversation. At one point in my original post, I compared Michael Vick to OJ Simpson, and said that I “hope the Eagles fail this season.” As a few comments pointed out, however, that Vick paid the price and did the time for his crime, while Simpson walked away scot-free (that is, until the burglary incident). As one person pointed out, “Shouldn’t we forgive him and let him sink or swim based on his actions from here on?”

The conversation reminded me that redemption is possible for all of us, celebrity or layperson. I must confess, when a celebrity goofs up, I like to tear them apart limb from limb. But the truth is I’m no better than Chris Brown or Michael Vick. True, I’ve never put a hand on a woman, or been involved with dog fighting. But I’ve done plenty of things that I’m not proud of. We are all on the same boat, basically. We’ve all messed up and need grace. Scriptures tell us that because God has shown us grace, we should show grace to others.

Now don’t think I’m suggesting we forget about what happened between Brown and Rihanna, or even condone it. But since he has served his debt to society, and, judging by the recent MTV interview, understands that what he did was wrong. So now I hope that Brown can find full forgiveness, and let God be the final judge.