forgivness.
Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Mat 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The topic of Forgiveness has really been misunderstood, insomuch that people have used the concept of it to gain advantage over other Christians, and even swaying Pastors to their own will, or have their own way.
The basic concept of forgiveness is that I won't retaliate against you for the wrong you have done to me. I will not harbor bitterness in my heart about you, I will not speak of the matter anymore to anyone, but bring it to God. I will not make you look bad in the eyes of others for what you have done to me.
Forgiving someone should not void us of wisdom.
When another Brother or Sister hurt us, we go to them and tell them so. They may be right, we may be right. Who is right does not really matter, they need to acknowledge that even if they where right, I was hurt by their words or actions.
IF they don't listen, we get more witnesses. Let them settle who was right, and accept it. If not, then take it to the Church. These things are not always possible, but if they won't acknowledge at any step, that would be possible, then don't bother with them anymore.
Forgiveness does not always mean you have the same place you once held, in my life, or my ministry.
If you collect money for the Church and have taken some, then you will be forgiven, but your not collecting money anymore for us. That is not to say you will never collect money again, but I would have to hear from God on the matter before allowing you take from the Lord again.
God has given us things to be faithful with. We can't continue allowing someone to hinder us being faithful to God, or the things we are given to do. They can be forgiven, but out of the way.
There are way to many Christians using this "Forgive" concept to get back a place they lost, and still don't deserve. God said if we are faithful with little, then more will be forgiven.
The Person that did wrong, lost their place, needs to take it up with God. Not the person they wronged, or gave them the place. God is more than able to get them back what they lost.
This is even in marriages where the wife leaves over abuse. The wife should forgive, but no place should be given back. Not until the Lord says so or gets involved.
Sinners:
Sinners are suppose to act like sinners, whats to forgive or not forgive. They are the whole reason we are still here. Befriending sinners, Dating sinners or the unsaved only invites pain into your life, and I certainly don't want to hear you cry about it.
You where told not to be unequally yoked to start with.
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Jesus Is Lord.
