Why aren't Christians more like Jesus?

I was listening to a Christian radio channel - particularly, a talk show where they take a few verses from the Bible and then the host asks the panelists some questions related to the topic.

This might be a good time to disclaim that I'm not a Christian, so if I sound critical, it's NOT because I'm trying to insult or ridicule. I'm sure that Christians wouldn't agree with everything about my religion, either.

The topic was forgiveness: that you should forgive those that have sinned against you, and that if you don't forgive the sins of others, the Lord won't forgive your sins, either.

The host asked the panelists if they have been able to forgive the sins others have committed against them. She also asked them about people who don't feel like they have sinned at all - whether you should forgive those as well.

One of the panelists said that she could always count on the fact that even if the sinner doesn't feel like they did anything wrong, there's always God to throw them in Hell at the final judgement.

But how is this Christian? Isn't Christianity about turning the other cheek? Jesus held no grudge against anyone, even the people who persecuted him, tried him, judged him, sentenced him to death, and crucified him on the cross. Isn't being a good Christian about being like Jesus - holding no grudge against anyone, regardless of how evil or sinfully they treat you?

To me, it sounds like if anyone ever tried to offend Jesus, the words would just slide off his back. Jesus was never offended, and Jesus never felt like he offended anyone. He was the opposite of the modern neurotic - the person who analyzes everything everyone says to them in attempt to find something to be offended by.

This brings to mind the middle-aged women I sometimes overhear in cafes who talk about their childhoods and how traumatizing so many of their early memories were - or are, still to this day.

Wouldn't it be easier to just admit that your life has been easy, that no one has ever done anything that bad to you, that no one has ever offended you so much that you care to remember?

Ah, but maybe I'm the only person in the entire world who has had an easy, trauma-free life.

RK out.