If you cannot forgive EVERYTHING as Christ said, can you even call yourself a Christian at all?

Question

Or would such a person be one of these "false" Christians we hear about when they get caught doing something wrong?

How hard can forgiving people BE, if the Iraq hostages forgave their captors unconditionally?:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1968174,00.html

Romans 12:17-21

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 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. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Sounds like if you can't forgive - you're toast. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

People are going to be people and every group is going to have its posers. Praise the Good ones. Correct the bad ones. Improve the world around you. It could be as simple as a kind word.

Answer 2

Remember, we are saved by grace and not by works. If you are having trouble forgiving another person that is between you and God to hash out. But, if you have given your life over to Christ and believe that He died on the cross for our sins then you are forgiven. Hopefully, through time the Holy Spirit will put it in you to forgive others. It's hard to do. I've been a Christian for nearly 20 years and I still can't forgive Muslims.

Answer 3

Being a Christian doesn't mean being perfect, although that's something we should aim for knowing we'll never reach it. Being a Christian is about having a relationship with God. We're human and as such will make mistakes, including holding grudges and having bad feelings towards others. As long as we are trying to become more Christ-like, it's all good. :)

Answer 4

People are human and a lot of people have trouble forgiving - it does not make them any less Christian - it's just one of the things they need to work on.

It's interesting to note that while it took me many years in my Christian walk to fully forgive, my 20 year old daughter learned this lesson very early in her life. She has other issues she deals with. We are each individuals with our own ways of learning and growing. We will all eventually learn and grow - but not until we are with God will we fully become the person we are meant to be.

Answer 5

question makes no since. Christ forgives not man and being a christian is accepting that salvation.

Answer 6

You have to remember that it also calls us "babes" in the Bible as
a way of letting us know that like "babes" or babies we are still learning. Your still a Christian though a "baby" one.

Answer 7

Anyone can call themselves a Christian. The bible says, you must forgive others in order for your father in heaven to forgive you. We are not perfect, none of us are. God Bless!

MATTHEW 18:21-35 (RSV)

The Unforgiving Servant



21
Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall
my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as
seven times?"
22
Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but
seventy times seven.
23
"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king
who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
24
When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who
owed him ten thousand talents;
25
and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold,
with his wife and children and all that he had, and
payment to be made.
26
So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord,
have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
27
And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released
him and forgave him the debt.
28
But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of
his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and
seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.'
29
So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have
patience with me, and I will pay you.'
30
He refused and went and put him in prison till he should
pay the debt.
31
When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they
were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to
their lord all that had taken place.
32
Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked
servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought
me;
33
and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant,
as I had mercy on you?'
34
And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till
he should pay all his debt.
35
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if
you do not forgive your brother from your heart."