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I’m absolutely in love with a new binge-worthy series called Vindication on Pureflix. If you missed it, last week I gave my review on Season One of Vindication (and why you should watch it with your teenagers). If you haven’t seen the first season, I would highly recommend catching up … because they’ll be releasing new episodes of Season Two every Wednesday (through 10/27). And trust me, it’s packed with more action, more drama, and more suspense. I’m absolutely in love with the season so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Watch the Trailer for Season 2 Down Below
My Review of Season 2, Episode 2
At the end of last season Travis started his new life in Christ, and this season we start seeing him as a new person as he is living out his faith. His wife Becky is now doing prison ministry, and we are starting to see where she struggles in her faith – boundaries. This series is packed with drama, action, and suspense – but what I really appreciate the most about this series is how it shines a different light on the Christians walk, and what that looks like in real life.
Today I wanted to look at Episode 2, and the theme that stood out to me was second chances and what that may look like as a Christian.
GOD DELIGHTS IN GIVING SECOND CHANCES
God delights in giving second chances when we truly seek forgiveness for our sins (Joel 2:13). As Christians we are taught to forgive and give second chances to those who seek it. If someone is truly repentant, then we are obligated to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22). However, as Christians we must learn to discern between those who are struggling and those who are in rebellion against God’s authority.
In the 2nd episode of Vindication we learn who the character Doris is, and that she is wanting a second chance. This episode is the perfect opportunity to discuss with your teenagers about the following questions. Should we give someone a second chance in our lives – especially if you can’t trust them or they’re toxic. If we forgive someone, at what point do we decide that they can’t be in our lives? Should we enable people by allowing them back into our lives if they’re going to damage it? How do we set boundaries, and what does that look like?
Second chances can be confusing to many Christians, I was one of them. This is why we should set boundaries, and learn to walk away when needed. When we forgive and give someone a second chance – it doesn’t erase their crime or invalidate the pain they’ve caused. A second chance merely means that we don’t hold someone’s past against them, but we still expect to see positive changes in their lives. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this approach in his instruction for former thieves: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28).
So how can we tell if they’re making positive changes, or if they’re in rebellion? Only Jesus can look at a persons heart, but as Christians we should try to have boundaries set, and learn to discern with the Holy Spirits help. Ask yourself, are they struggling and needing someone to come along side them, or are they walking in rebellion and wanting to do things their way regardless. When people are struggling we offer them grace. When they’re in rebellion, we don’t want to bring them judgment – but rather we should distance ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work. By walking alongside those who need a second chance, we can help bring God’s healing into their lives. However, when we help those in rebellion we are enabling them to continue their sinful behavior. We also risk getting pulled away from God with them. This is why we should teach our children healthy boundaries, and work with them on how to spot and avoid bad influences in this world.
We can not change people – that’s the Holy Spirits job. We merely plant seeds, and let God make them grow.
If you haven’t read my previous review on why “Vindication is a Teen-Friendly Action Packed Crime Series that isn’t afraid to tackle complex topics along with questions about faith.”. You can find that here.
