What does Christian forgiveness actually require—and can you forgive someone while still wanting justice?

In this episode of Teaology at the Table, Maya Wilson sits down with Yana Conner, author of Living Beyond a Fence: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God's Way, for an honest conversation about Christian forgiveness, justice, reconciliation, accountability, conflict, and healing.

We often hear Christians told to "just forgive," but forgiveness is rarely that simple. What happens when someone has genuinely wronged you? Does forgiveness mean forgetting what happened? Does it require reconciliation? Can you forgive someone and still believe there should be accountability or justice?

Yana helps us think more deeply about the biblical practice of forgiveness and why it can be a long, unfinished process rather than a one-time decision. We talk about the difference between being offended and being wronged, the relationship between forgiveness and justice, the role of mediators in conflict, and why reconciliation requires more than simply telling someone to move on.

We also explore forgiveness as a practice of Christian discipleship and community. What if forgiveness isn't simply something we do individually, but something the church has to learn how to practice together?

If you've struggled with forgiveness, church conflict, broken relationships, injustice, or the tension between mercy and accountability, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:
• Christian forgiveness and what the Bible teaches
• Forgiveness vs. reconciliation
• Forgiveness and justice
• Accountability and mercy
• Church conflict and relational wounds
• The difference between offense and wrongdoing
• Why forgiveness can be an unfinished process
• Mediation and conflict resolution
• Forgiveness as Christian discipleship
• Building communities that practice forgiveness

Yana Conner is the author of Living Beyond a Fence: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God's Way.

Follow Yana here!

Find her book here!

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

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