Do you feel love is a gift or an obligation? Is forgivness for a person a a state of mind or a deep feeling in our hearts. What makes us forgive? Is it to calm our own hearts, and minds, or do we seek forgivness because its the Christian way?
2006-12-11 16:00:43 · 20 answers · asked by Ms. Educated 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's easy to remember, and a little corny, but there is so much truth to it:
There is Freedom in Forgiveness and Bondage in Bitterness.
We forgive because it's good for US, not for the other person. And, Jesus commands it. "If you don't forgive your brother, I won't forgive you..." I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to take that chance.
2006-12-11 16:10:30 · answer #1 · answered by prepschoolforeternity 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, love is neither a gift nor an obligation. It's an EMOTION. Forgiveness.... that's harder. I believe that it's a decision that we make directly related to the offense commited and how truly hurt by it we were in the first place.
I don't think seeking or giving forgiveness has anything to do with Christianity. I think it's about a persons need for approval. I can't explain it, but it seems to me that it's a need to know that someone's not out there hating you for something you may or may not have done.
2006-12-12 00:04:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's a gift. And forgiveness is a state of mind. I like to forgive to make me feel good about myself.
2006-12-12 00:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by arsenalsalam 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that when you are forgiven it is a gift. A person cannot truly forgive if it is not in their heart to do so. They have to want to forgive to do it wholly. I just don't know about it being the christian way.
2006-12-12 00:03:32 · answer #4 · answered by AstralFairy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1)Love becomes an obligation with the maturity of your faith.
2)The answer, I think, is undefined. A whole person does not seek to replace one with another, but rather to let the two work in harmony.
3)If you do not forgive, then you give others power over you.
2006-12-12 00:16:32 · answer #5 · answered by BigPappa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think love is a gift to be accepted and given, so it should be cherished. Forgiveness does the whole being good. Holding onto resentment and hate only eats away at you. When you forgive you are helping yourself and the one that has done you wrong. It's healing.
2006-12-12 00:07:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Forgiveness is a choice that says, "I have the right to hold this offense against you, but I choose to forfeit my right." For Christians, this is the same way that our Father forgives us. The parable of the unmerciful servant tells us how seriously God takes this! The feeling comes well after the choice and the feeling is called healing.
2006-12-12 00:10:36 · answer #7 · answered by lizardmama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All of the above. I think Jesus was completely aware of the fact that being kind to others is good for others, but, just as important, it is good for us.
Of course, living a life of forgiveness and compassion doesn't come easy; people all around us give us many reasons to feel anxiety, fear, even hate.
But the Christian life is about committing oneself to a life of forgiveness and love, even when we feel justified in feeling the opposite.
And with enough faith and practice, loving others (even our enemies) becomes easier and easier. Great question. Peace be to you and your family.
2006-12-12 00:09:24 · answer #8 · answered by Colin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I forgive others and care about them even love them because I have my own inner peace that I am confortable with. I don't think my feelings of forgiving others has anything to do with religion...it's more of my philosophy and way of life.
2006-12-12 00:21:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forgiveness is love. Love is a gift, and it comes from God. When we have God in our hearts, we have love and from that flows forgiveness for each other.
God bless.
2006-12-12 00:16:30 · answer #10 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋