Why should we forgive?

[arunangelo]

We should forgive because:
1) God commands us forgive.
2) God forgave us by dying for the sins we committed against Him
3) Even sinners are God’s children and our brothers and sisters
4) God loves sinners and came into this world to save them form sin.
5) We will find true peace only when we forgive.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

We should forgive because:
1) God commands us forgive.
2) God forgave us by dying for the sins we committed against Him
3) Even sinners are God’s children and our brothers and sisters
4) God loves sinners and came into this world to save them form sin.
5) We will find true peace only when we forgive.

I agree on all but three of the above points. I believe the unsaved are not of the same family. They will become my sisters and brothers when they get saved.

John 8:43-45 (Amplified Bible)

<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-26423">43</sup>Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.]
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-26424">44</sup>You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-26425">45</sup>But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me [do not trust Me, do not rely on Me, or adhere to Me].




They have a different father, not the father we have.


For the rest though, I agree heartily. We are to forgive for our own sakes most. If we hold 'grudges' we will destroy ourselves.

 

[arunangelo]

I agree on all but three of the above points. I believe the unsaved are not of the same family. They will become my sisters and brothers when they get saved.

John 8:43-45 (Amplified Bible)

<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-26423">43</sup>Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.]
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-26424">44</sup>You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-26425">45</sup>But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me [do not trust Me, do not rely on Me, or adhere to Me].




They have a different father, not the father we have.


For the rest though, I agree heartily. We are to forgive for our own sakes most. If we hold 'grudges' we will destroy ourselves.

Although many rejected Him, Jesus came into the world to save all. Similalrly we have to offer forgiveness to all who offend us though some may not accept it. Our offer of forgiveness, is expression of love, which has to be unconditional.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

Although many rejected Him, Jesus came into the world to save all. Similalrly we have to offer forgiveness to all who offend us though some may not accept it. Our offer of forgiveness, is expression of love, which has to be unconditional.

Yes Jesus came to save all. No not all will be saved. Why? They have a choice. Get saved or not. Choose life or not. Leave their father the devil and get adopted by God or not. They are not in the same family as us until they get adopted by the Father and that does not happen till they get saved. Their old man has to pass away and they must get born again.

 

[arunangelo]

Yes Jesus came to save all. No not all will be saved. Why? They have a choice. Get saved or not. Choose life or not. Leave their father the devil and get adopted by God or not. They are not in the same family as us until they get adopted by the Father and that does not happen till they get saved. Their old man has to pass away and they must get born again.

I t is the same with forgiveness. Though not all may accept it we have to offer it to all.

 

[Kit Carson]

Bible school Phooey.

God wishes you to forgive as he understands you more than you understand yourself.

If you forgive a situation or a person and just walk away from it , leave it alone it will not eat on you, you will not dwell on it, it will not make you bitter or cause you to sin.

As soon as you forgive someone it is done, you no longer even think about it. So your own nature will not cause you to sin.

Get mad enough by not forgiving and it could lead to many things sinful and even murder. So God simply says let it go. Say a prayer for them instead, do something nice for them. That heals your hurt and soul. Try it sometime. It works.

Kit

 

[sunshineaaks]

We should forgive because:
1) God commands us forgive.
2) God forgave us by dying for the sins we committed against Him
3) Even sinners are God’s children and our brothers and sisters
4) God loves sinners and came into this world to save them form sin.
5) We will find true peace only when we forgive.

I agree with all you say here except for number 3 also. One reason why we are to forgive and pray for even our enemies is because we have no idea who will come to Christ and become our brothers and sisters (Eph 1:4-6) and who will not (those rejecting Christ and never a part of His family - "Depart from me I NEVER knew you" (Matt 25:41).

Though we are commanded to forgive, we can only forgive the person but never their sin only God can forgive the sin. (1 John 1:9; Hebrews 8:12; Col 1:13-15; Eph 1:7 among many others). The only way the sin can be forgiven is that they bring their sin to God in prayer, repentance and forgiveness.

 

[sunshineaaks]

Bible school Phooey.

God wishes you to forgive as he understands you more than you understand yourself.

If you forgive a situation or a person and just walk away from it , leave it alone it will not eat on you, you will not dwell on it, it will not make you bitter or cause you to sin.

As soon as you forgive someone it is done, you no longer even think about it. So your own nature will not cause you to sin.

Get mad enough by not forgiving and it could lead to many things sinful and even murder. So God simply says let it go. Say a prayer for them instead, do something nice for them. That heals your hurt and soul. Try it sometime. It works.

Kit

Walking away and leaving it alone is often easier said than done. But each time that person's name or the offence comes to mind gives opportunity to thank God for showing what true forgiveness is all about and then praying for that person again and again.

The one parable that helped me see clearer was the parable of the unforgiving servant. Though the servant was forgiven his debt by the King when he asked the debt be forgiven, he was also given over to the 'tormentors' (Matthew 18: 33-35) when he refused to forgive another until he could then forgive his fellow man (Matt 5:44; 10:36; Luke 6:27,35; Matt 5:23-25).

The 'tormentors' I believe are depression, bitterness, holding a grudge, and any number of things that keep our relationship from moving forward to maturity with God.

 

[Kit Carson]

Walking away and leaving it alone is often easier said than done. But each time that person's name or the offence comes to mind gives opportunity to thank God for showing what true forgiveness is all about and then praying for that person again and again.

The one parable that helped me see clearer was the parable of the unforgiving servant. Though the servant was forgiven his debt by the King when he asked the debt be forgiven, he was also given over to the 'tormentors' (Matthew 18: 33-35) when he refused to forgive another until he could then forgive his fellow man (Matt 5:44; 10:36; Luke 6:27,35; Matt 5:23-25).

The 'tormentors' I believe are depression, bitterness, holding a grudge, and any number of things that keep our relationship from moving forward to maturity with God.

Hi:

I suppose it takes time, we all know what we are supposed to do, but we resist. Gradually as life and God talks to us we learn that if we do as God wishes all is well. I am no different than anyone else, I still get mad at people, I just do not dwell on it or let it effect my life or cause me to resent or maybe do something not so good. So I take what God tells me, and what life teaches me when I ignore him, and learn.

So now I have no problem simply dismissing anything or anyone that may cause me to not forgive, to be bitter or to dwell on something. I just dismiss it. Smile and speak to them and be nice. How they react is their choice. As for me I simply have learned to not even give these things a second thought.

There is a common sense thing to this too. Lets say someone really does you harm, not some silly little fuss , but really does you harm, cheats you, caused job loss or something that really effects your life. If you do not just move on it can cause you to fall into great sin by resentment and the wish for revenge. So you just forgive them, but you do not have to trust them. I use a very simple saying be gentle as a lamb but cunning as a snake in the world of today. I do forgive all, and allow God to guide and comfort me in these things, but this does not mean I will enter into business with them or trust them again. Just the same, I will still speak to them, help them if I can, this way my own soul is calm.

A true example of this that may help explain it is this week. Work is really non existent right now. I am self employed and the building trades are very slow. So I set about looking for work to get through the hard times. I applied here and there, and one guy calls me and says Kit this is XXXXX you may remember me from a previous life. I did. He is looking for a Master Plumber to run his service shop, he is one who did me harm long ago deliberately to gain his own gains and also later figured out a way to take control of this previous business and put the owner of it out and cheat him and take control. We crossed paths again several years ago and it was not a fond path then either.

He was fearful I would resent, this and that, I simply told him , No sir, it has long passed, to carry a grudge and act silly and to wish revenge is not my way. It is done, over with and I bear you no ill will. I hope all is well with you and yours. However I do not wish a third try, I bear you no harm but I do not trust you.

The next day the phone rings and another job is offered and I go to work there building a new school this coming week.

Understanding comes with God. If you do as he wishes, he will always take care of you.

I hope I said that right. I tried to. I try to relate God and life with common sense and not quote little scriptures. I try to take all God says and apply it to life, not just one little verse that may in its separation be misunderstood.

Kit

 

[sunshineaaks]

Hi:

I suppose it takes time, we all know what we are supposed to do, but we resist. Gradually as life and God talks to us we learn that if we do as God wishes all is well. I am no different than anyone else, I still get mad at people, I just do not dwell on it or let it effect my life or cause me to resent or maybe do something not so good. So I take what God tells me, and what life teaches me when I ignore him, and learn.

So now I have no problem simply dismissing anything or anyone that may cause me to not forgive, to be bitter or to dwell on something. I just dismiss it. Smile and speak to them and be nice. How they react is their choice. As for me I simply have learned to not even give these things a second thought.

There is a common sense thing to this too. Lets say someone really does you harm, not some silly little fuss , but really does you harm, cheats you, caused job loss or something that really effects your life. If you do not just move on it can cause you to fall into great sin by resentment and the wish for revenge. So you just forgive them, but you do not have to trust them. I use a very simple saying be gentle as a lamb but cunning as a snake in the world of today. I do forgive all, and allow God to guide and comfort me in these things, but this does not mean I will enter into business with them or trust them again. Just the same, I will still speak to them, help them if I can, this way my own soul is calm.

A true example of this that may help explain it is this week. Work is really non existent right now. I am self employed and the building trades are very slow. So I set about looking for work to get through the hard times. I applied here and there, and one guy calls me and says Kit this is XXXXX you may remember me from a previous life. I did. He is looking for a Master Plumber to run his service shop, he is one who did me harm long ago deliberately to gain his own gains and also later figured out a way to take control of this previous business and put the owner of it out and cheat him and take control. We crossed paths again several years ago and it was not a fond path then either.

He was fearful I would resent, this and that, I simply told him , No sir, it has long passed, to carry a grudge and act silly and to wish revenge is not my way. It is done, over with and I bear you no ill will. I hope all is well with you and yours. However I do not wish a third try, I bear you no harm but I do not trust you.

The next day the phone rings and another job is offered and I go to work there building a new school this coming week.

Understanding comes with God. If you do as he wishes, he will always take care of you.

I hope I said that right. I tried to. I try to relate God and life with common sense and not quote little scriptures. I try to take all God says and apply it to life, not just one little verse that may in its separation be misunderstood.

Kit

I’m not sure what you mean by ‘not quote little scripture’ and ‘not just one little verse that may in its separation be misunderstood “ since the verses I’ve used here pertain in context to the section I’ve mentioned about the unforgiving servant. Could you elaborate on this for me?

I do agree that you can forgive someone and not trust them. Part of the common sense, I believe, you speak of here. For example with the murderer of my brother, I do forgive him because this is commanded of me to do so as is praying for this man's well being and salvation. There is nothing that says I must trust this man, and to do so would be foolish. Nor can I dismiss what has happened.

I don’t find that little verse that says to dismiss the evils of this world as though they never happened. Only God can forgive a sin. There are many verses, however, about moving on, about resentment, bitterness and revenge as well as repentance, forgiveness, prayer and obedience.

Throughout the Bible are many places where God rewards obedience to His will and I believe even today He blesses those in obedience to Him. The building of a new school may just very well be one of these cases, don’t you think?

 

[AbbysAunt]

We are forgiven, so we must forgive

Forgiveness as come into play for me this week and it hasn't been the easiest thing to do or to face. See, I found out this week that a good friend of mine was murdered in his own home when he came home from work one night and caught someone in his home. My friend lived in missouri and I have read all the articles about his death and in one they had a picture of the man that killed him. I was very angry at first with this person for what he had done in taking nick's life in the way he did, but I can't let hatred or angry control my life it won't bring back my friend and it certianly isn't what God himself wants for me or would it be what nick would of wanted, so as hard as it is I am praying for this man and yes working on forgiving him, does it come easy...no not by any means but God sent His own son to die in my place so I could be forgiven of all my sins and If God can forgive me then I need to forgive the littlest and biggest of wrong doings because how can I be forgiven if I am unwillingly to forgive...there is no way to be forgiven by the father if we are unwilling or don't forgive, so as hard as it is I do forgive this man for he has done, but I will never trust him or want to be around him. I do hope for his own good he does find God and salvation and feels remorse for what he did. Its been a struggle but Praise God He has been there for me and brought me through and given me the heart, spirit and mind to forgive what seems to be the hardest thing to forgive.

 

[RJ]

We should forgive because:
1) God commands us forgive.
2) God forgave us by dying for the sins we committed against Him
3) Even sinners are God’s children and our brothers and sisters
4) God loves sinners and came into this world to save them form sin.
5) We will find true peace only when we forgive.

Actually, the Bible has two different versions of this, one of forgiving under the Law and one of forgiving after the resurrection and the New Covenant Grace:


Under the Law as Jesus says:
Matthews 6:15
<SUP class=versenum>15</SUP>But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.


Under Grace as Paul says:

Colossians 3:13

<SUP>13</SUP>Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

 

[sunshineaaks]

Forgiveness as come into play for me this week and it hasn't been the easiest thing to do or to face. See, I found out this week that a good friend of mine was murdered in his own home when he came home from work one night and caught someone in his home. My friend lived in missouri and I have read all the articles about his death and in one they had a picture of the man that killed him. I was very angry at first with this person for what he had done in taking nick's life in the way he did, but I can't let hatred or angry control my life it won't bring back my friend and it certianly isn't what God himself wants for me or would it be what nick would of wanted, so as hard as it is I am praying for this man and yes working on forgiving him, does it come easy...no not by any means but God sent His own son to die in my place so I could be forgiven of all my sins and If God can forgive me then I need to forgive the littlest and biggest of wrong doings because how can I be forgiven if I am unwillingly to forgive...there is no way to be forgiven by the father if we are unwilling or don't forgive, so as hard as it is I do forgive this man for he has done, but I will never trust him or want to be around him. I do hope for his own good he does find God and salvation and feels remorse for what he did. Its been a struggle but Praise God He has been there for me and brought me through and given me the heart, spirit and mind to forgive what seems to be the hardest thing to forgive.

I’m not sure how I missed your post except that I’m still learning how the ‘more below’ works to get the other posts up.

My heart goes out to you and the family of your friend. It’s been two months or so since the death of your friend and the trial has not happened as of yet, I assume? The continuances and delays tend to drive one nuts (not really but a facsimile there of) unless Christ is at the helm. The trial also may open new wounds or reopen ones you thought had healed, but He will never leave nor forsake you through it all.

I am grateful when I read that others don’t spend the hate, bitter filled years that I did before finally becoming in obedience to forgive a murderer (the person; only God can forgive the deed of a repentant soul – we can’t). At the same time, I’m also grateful that He brought me though that time of bitterness and hatred to better understand not only myself but others. However, through it all, we are brought back to His Time, His purpose, His path and His glory.

I can tell you that as you truly forgive this man (I had many steps to get there – some people are not as stubborn as I and may have fewer steps), others you may have thought you had forgiven may come to mind so that you can forgive them also, to a deeper degree as well. No, to forgive someone like this is never easy and may take some time before all hatred is erased, but it can be done. We also know where to turn when Satan sends his little barbs of hatred in an attempt to win us back to him.

 

[rojoloco]

This is a sermon I gave on Forgiveness. I gave it about a year and a half ago:

The Bible has a lot to say on the matter of forgiveness. It is an area that we all struggle in. Self defense is natural. If someone wrongs us, we tend to get upset. That can lead to feelings of anything from anger to sadness. It is okay to feel upset. However, the way we react is very important.

Ask congregation if they tend to hold onto feelings of “being wronged” or if they forgive without any problems.

God has many attributes in Scripture. He is eternal, immortal, unchangeable, & incomparable. God is love, vengeance, & mercy just to name a few.

Psalm 94:1
O LORD, God of vengeance,
God of vengeance, shine forth!

Psalm 103:8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.

It almost seems like a contradiction to say that God is both a God of vengeance as well as a God of mercy. How can God be both and how does it relate to believers needing for forgive?

First, let’s look at Romans 6:23:

Romans 6:23a
For the wages of sin is death…

Deuteronomy 32:34-35
'Is it not laid up in store with Me,
Sealed up in My treasuries?
'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution,
In due time their foot will slip;
For the day of their calamity is near,
And the impending things are hastening upon them.'

If we look at the overall picture being portrayed in Psalm 94, we can almost hear the desperation in the text. Unrighteousness was running rampant and the author was petitioning God to put an end to it. Notice he was not taking vengeance into his own hands. It was all being left to God. God is a God of vengeance and when the time is right, all who refuse to turn to Him will be destroyed. We reap what we sow and the wages of sin is death. On the flip side, God is also described as compassionate, gracious, and merciful. It says He is slow to anger. God is ready to forgive those who are His. Those who live for Him are forgiven completely.

Jeremiah 31:34
"They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Acts 10:43
"Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The promise of God is clear. If one believes the Truth of the Gospel, that person will be washed clean. God will cleanse him from all unrighteousness and forgive ALL his trespasses. Jeremiah 31:34 says God will remember them no more. God is omniscient so He will obviously not forget the sins. The point being made is that He will never again bring them up. They have been forgiven once and for all. When He forgives, it is not only on a surface level. It is thorough and complete.

Ask congregation how many times we have forgiven somebody only to bring it back up in a later argument.

We are not called to hold on to feelings of revenge or feelings of being wronged. We are called to forgive. We are called to love. It is impossible to truly practice love if we are harboring feelings of anger or revenge. Love can only be perfected once forgiveness is perfected.

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For you will heap burning coals on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

Romans 12:17-21
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ask congregation if they have ever heard the term “kill him with kindness”

The last passage in Romans is quoting Psalm 25:21-22. If one wrongs us, do not let our pride build up feelings of anger or revenge. Continue to love those who wrong us. Proverbs tells us this will be as if we are dumping burning coals on their heads. Psalm 140:10 refers to coals being heaped upon the evil ones are a sense of judgment & destruction. This is why Romans 12:21 says to overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:38-42
"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. "Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

This passage in Matthew is quoting Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, & Deuteronomy 19:21. This is known as the Law of Retaliation. It ensured proper and just punishments. If one wronged another, the punishment would fit the crime and not go beyond. It ensured one would not go out on their own and retaliate. The same goes for today. We are not to retaliate or commit personal acts of revenge. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for suing one another for selfish gain.

1 Corinthians 3:7
So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

Everything that we have, everything we are, and everything is do is because of God. Do not boast in yourself. Do not boast in your actions. Do not take pride in what you have. Jesus really drives this home by relating the Law of Retaliation to how we practice love.

Matthew 5:38-42
"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. "Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

We have zero right to anything. Who are we to feel wronged if one takes out shirt? Would we even have that shirt unless God blessed us with it? Rather, give him your coat as well. The entire point of this passage is forgiveness and practicing love. Do not go beyond what has been done by practicing self retaliation. Realize that all we have is because of God. Realize that by returning evil with kindness, we are heaping burning coals upon their heads, leaving vengeance up to the Lord.

Listen to the following passage and see how closely it relates to Navy life:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

This passage should jump out at everybody in here. Being in a close knit environment like a ship, there are many people we can’t stand working with or working for. We may want to do a sloppy job for someone we dislike. We may want to talk about them behind their back. We may want to look for ways to get back at them. Scripture tells us to appreciate them. It tells us to speak highly of them. It not only commands us to do this but it also commands us to encourage those brothers and sisters who are having difficulties in doing so. Do not repay evil for evil. If our leaders are truly wronging you, forgive them completely, return kindness for evil, be at peace, and practice love.

How can we encourage someone who is having difficulty? We can show them the encouragement of Scripture.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

1 Corinthians 10:13b
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

God is with you. As a follower of God, we will be hated. This is a promise of Scripture. However, another promise is that each time we are wronged, God has provided a way out. Even more, when one pays you evil, if you truly forgive as we are commanded and show love to that person, God will repay you and bring about many good things be it here or in Heaven.

Ask congregation for other reasons (other than the fact that we are commanded to) to forgive.

Colossians 3:12-14
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

If Almighty God forgave us for wronging Him, who are we to hold onto a grudge over someone wronging us?

Matthew 26:28
for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

The blood of Christ was spilled in order that we might be forgiven. If God went to this extreme for us, why can we not manage to forgive?

Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. "When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. "But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. "So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.' "And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. "But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe.' "So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.' "But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. "So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. "Then summoning him, his lord said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' "And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."

1 John 4:20
If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
We daily wrong God yet He forgives us. Why is this? It is because God is love. If God has forgiven us of every wrongdoing against Him, we are to do likewise to those who wrong us. If we do not, Scripture is very clear that the love of God is not in us for if it were, we would have already forgiven. It is not a matter of a commandment of God or imitating God. It is a matter of where we are in our relationship with God. If we cannot forgive, we need to double check our relationship with God.

1 Peter 3:8-12
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For,
"THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS,
MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD;
HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
"FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL."

Love one another just as God loves us. Forgive one another just as God has forgiven us. By doing this, our relationship with God will flourish. God is in control. He always has been and always will be. Let Him bless the righteous and have vengeance on the unrighteous in due time.

 

[sunshineaaks]

This is a sermon I gave on Forgiveness. I gave it about a year and a half ago:

The Bible has a lot to say on the matter of forgiveness. It is an area that we all struggle in. Self defense is natural. If someone wrongs us, we tend to get upset. That can lead to feelings of anything from anger to sadness. It is okay to feel upset. However, the way we react is very important.

Ask congregation if they tend to hold onto feelings of “being wronged” or if they forgive without any problems.

God has many attributes in Scripture. He is eternal, immortal, unchangeable, & incomparable. God is love, vengeance, & mercy just to name a few.

Psalm 94:1
O LORD, God of vengeance,
God of vengeance, shine forth!

Psalm 103:8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.

It almost seems like a contradiction to say that God is both a God of vengeance as well as a God of mercy. How can God be both and how does it relate to believers needing for forgive?

First, let’s look at Romans 6:23:

Romans 6:23a
For the wages of sin is death…

Deuteronomy 32:34-35
'Is it not laid up in store with Me,
Sealed up in My treasuries?
'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution,
In due time their foot will slip;
For the day of their calamity is near,
And the impending things are hastening upon them.'

If we look at the overall picture being portrayed in Psalm 94, we can almost hear the desperation in the text. Unrighteousness was running rampant and the author was petitioning God to put an end to it. Notice he was not taking vengeance into his own hands. It was all being left to God. God is a God of vengeance and when the time is right, all who refuse to turn to Him will be destroyed. We reap what we sow and the wages of sin is death. On the flip side, God is also described as compassionate, gracious, and merciful. It says He is slow to anger. God is ready to forgive those who are His. Those who live for Him are forgiven completely.

Jeremiah 31:34
"They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Acts 10:43
"Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The promise of God is clear. If one believes the Truth of the Gospel, that person will be washed clean. God will cleanse him from all unrighteousness and forgive ALL his trespasses. Jeremiah 31:34 says God will remember them no more. God is omniscient so He will obviously not forget the sins. The point being made is that He will never again bring them up. They have been forgiven once and for all. When He forgives, it is not only on a surface level. It is thorough and complete.

Ask congregation how many times we have forgiven somebody only to bring it back up in a later argument.

We are not called to hold on to feelings of revenge or feelings of being wronged. We are called to forgive. We are called to love. It is impossible to truly practice love if we are harboring feelings of anger or revenge. Love can only be perfected once forgiveness is perfected.

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For you will heap burning coals on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

Romans 12:17-21
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ask congregation if they have ever heard the term “kill him with kindness”

The last passage in Romans is quoting Psalm 25:21-22. If one wrongs us, do not let our pride build up feelings of anger or revenge. Continue to love those who wrong us. Proverbs tells us this will be as if we are dumping burning coals on their heads. Psalm 140:10 refers to coals being heaped upon the evil ones are a sense of judgment & destruction. This is why Romans 12:21 says to overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:38-42
"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. "Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

This passage in Matthew is quoting Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, & Deuteronomy 19:21. This is known as the Law of Retaliation. It ensured proper and just punishments. If one wronged another, the punishment would fit the crime and not go beyond. It ensured one would not go out on their own and retaliate. The same goes for today. We are not to retaliate or commit personal acts of revenge. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for suing one another for selfish gain.

1 Corinthians 3:7
So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

Everything that we have, everything we are, and everything is do is because of God. Do not boast in yourself. Do not boast in your actions. Do not take pride in what you have. Jesus really drives this home by relating the Law of Retaliation to how we practice love.

Matthew 5:38-42
"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. "Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

We have zero right to anything. Who are we to feel wronged if one takes out shirt? Would we even have that shirt unless God blessed us with it? Rather, give him your coat as well. The entire point of this passage is forgiveness and practicing love. Do not go beyond what has been done by practicing self retaliation. Realize that all we have is because of God. Realize that by returning evil with kindness, we are heaping burning coals upon their heads, leaving vengeance up to the Lord.

Listen to the following passage and see how closely it relates to Navy life:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

This passage should jump out at everybody in here. Being in a close knit environment like a ship, there are many people we can’t stand working with or working for. We may want to do a sloppy job for someone we dislike. We may want to talk about them behind their back. We may want to look for ways to get back at them. Scripture tells us to appreciate them. It tells us to speak highly of them. It not only commands us to do this but it also commands us to encourage those brothers and sisters who are having difficulties in doing so. Do not repay evil for evil. If our leaders are truly wronging you, forgive them completely, return kindness for evil, be at peace, and practice love.

How can we encourage someone who is having difficulty? We can show them the encouragement of Scripture.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

1 Corinthians 10:13b
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

God is with you. As a follower of God, we will be hated. This is a promise of Scripture. However, another promise is that each time we are wronged, God has provided a way out. Even more, when one pays you evil, if you truly forgive as we are commanded and show love to that person, God will repay you and bring about many good things be it here or in Heaven.

Ask congregation for other reasons (other than the fact that we are commanded to) to forgive.

Colossians 3:12-14
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

If Almighty God forgave us for wronging Him, who are we to hold onto a grudge over someone wronging us?

Matthew 26:28
for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

The blood of Christ was spilled in order that we might be forgiven. If God went to this extreme for us, why can we not manage to forgive?

Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. "When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. "But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. "So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.' "And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. "But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe.' "So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.' "But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. "So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. "Then summoning him, his lord said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' "And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."

1 John 4:20
If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
We daily wrong God yet He forgives us. Why is this? It is because God is love. If God has forgiven us of every wrongdoing against Him, we are to do likewise to those who wrong us. If we do not, Scripture is very clear that the love of God is not in us for if it were, we would have already forgiven. It is not a matter of a commandment of God or imitating God. It is a matter of where we are in our relationship with God. If we cannot forgive, we need to double check our relationship with God.

1 Peter 3:8-12
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For,
"THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS,
MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD;
HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
"FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS,
AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL."

Love one another just as God loves us. Forgive one another just as God has forgiven us. By doing this, our relationship with God will flourish. God is in control. He always has been and always will be. Let Him bless the righteous and have vengeance on the unrighteous in due time.

This is a sermon so many do not hear in the ‘me first’ or ‘do what makes me feel good’ or ‘build my own self esteem’ society. I must say that it is truly a breath of fresh air to see such wisdom in someone so young. (most my age (yes, I’m over half a century plus) don’t even show half the common sense or wisdom of your post)

There are so many excellent points that you make! I like that you point out that there is no contradiction in who God is and also give more proof by explaining Jeremiah’s ‘God will remember them no more” with the obvious. I can not count the times I’ve heard what a ‘forgetful’ God some believe we have.

I wanted to make some points to Matthew 5:38-42, which I believe you and I are on the same track but just to clarify some confusion I’ve heard from others. Some fallacious beliefs on forgiveness that have held people captive in bitterness and hatred.

Some would have us believe that Matthew 5:38-42 demands that we forgive the murder and allow the murderer to go free to escape capital punishment or at the very least spend the rest of their lives in prison with all the comforts of home.

First, we mere humans can not forgive a murder (the sin) or any act of violence, only God can to the repentant soul. (Mark 2, Luke 5, )

Second, we are to obey the government or pay the consequence for disobedience (Romans 13:1-4).

And third, we are commanded to forgive the murderer (the person) and pray fervently for their salvation even though they will be made to pay the consequence of their actions in a court of law.

Just as equally, the murderer may pay the full cost of their actions on this earth because of the laws that govern, but the repentant murderer whose given his/her life over to Christ has nothing to fear in eternity. The unrepentant reprobate not only has the consequences of this earth to deal with (sometimes) but also that of eternity should they continue rejecting the only way to heaven.

We are NOT to go out and take vengeance against the murderer, nor are we to bring him/her harm or wish them ill or gloat at the conviction. The laws that govern a nation are the earthly consequence a murderer has already decided upon when they took another life. We are also not commanded to say, “You have taken the life of my brother, here take the life of my son as well” (common sense)

Yes, this entire passage is forgiveness and practicing love instead of self retaliation. I also believe that earthly justice gives a criminal the chance they would not otherwise have while looking over their shoulder or believing they ‘got away’ with something. In being made to pay the consequence for their actions; they possibly might take a close look at their life and hopefully come to Christ. This point is also where friends and family members of a murdered victim are so crucial with urgent prayer for the murderer that God will draw this person to Him.

Too many times in today’s world, the criminal gets a much lesser sentence because of lack of responsibility. Unfortunately, many will use this same type of defense when coming before the final Judge where their pleas of ‘innocence’ will go unheard.

 

[AbbysAunt]

Thank you to all who posted and responded to this. The trial for this man has been set for sometime in April that was the last I heard about it. I have forgiven him and pray that he finds God and becomes saved.

I've so many things go on since that time that i've been concentrating and praying on them...my grandma in the hospital, parents getting a letter from a lawyer about the old place we used to live in, my other grandma in the e.r. are just a few things i've had go on but through it all God has been there and brings me through...He didn't promise things would always be easy but He did promise to go through the storms with me. Praise God! For His love endures!

 

[MelodyC]

We should forgive because:
1) God commands us forgive.
2) God forgave us by dying for the sins we committed against Him
3) Even sinners are God’s children and our brothers and sisters
4) God loves sinners and came into this world to save them form sin.
5) We will find true peace only when we forgive.

Just wanted to clarify what you said in point (3).

ALL Sinners are God's in that He created all mankind.

Christ died for all mankind. Not every person will receive salvation.

Only those who are Saved Believers. Those who have repented and received the death of Christ for the forgivness of their Sins are called children of God and heirs to the promises of God.

RO 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

RO 8:12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Only a person who is Saved receives God's Spirit and can become a child of God.