How do you give forgiveness to someone when they just keep doing the same thing over and over and over again? How long do you keep turning the other cheek, only to have both sides slapped every time you do it? When do you say enough? God says to forgive, but what if that person doesn't wish to change? Do you turn your back on them?
2007-01-14 03:03:49 · 16 answers · asked by AngelEyes In SF 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother.
"Seven times?" Peter asked. Jesus said, "No. Seventy times seven".
I think we have to understand something about God's love and god's forgiveness, that He continues to forgive even when we sin against him over and over again.
But don't misunderstand: forgiveness is offered freely. But trust is earned. You can forgive someone, love someone, care for someone - but that doesn't mean you can or should trust that person.
"turn your back on them" - that's pretty strong. But certainly you can tell them, "I cannot trust you and I have to do such and such because you are not to be trusted."
god bless
2007-01-14 03:11:59 · answer #1 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Forgiveness is not for them, it is for you. When you forgive someone, you are not saying it is okay what they did, you are telling yourself that you will not allow them to bring you down.
People change only if they want to and are ready. Biblically Jesus said forgive seven times seventy. The number 7 used in the bible is a perfect number and seven times seventy describes to forgive eternally. Remember forgiveness is for you, not them.
When you forgive your body can heal hanging on to hatred makes the body ill.
Judging from your statement that they will never change leads me to believe you forgive in order to change them. If that is so, you are not really forgiving and are doing it for the wrong reason.
2007-01-14 03:16:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I live by the 3-strikes-and-you're-out rule. A person has to work to get my respect, and if they do something negative towards me (depending on the severity of what was done), they have to work to prove to me that they deserve my forgiveness. People are great talkers, especially when they're victimizing themselves and trying to garner pity, but it takes real effort to affect change in their own lives. Until someone proves to me that they're willing to do that, they're not worth my time.
If that sounds cold, it's not meant to be. It's simply a means to avoid being surrounded by leaches and idiots.
2007-01-14 03:08:53 · answer #3 · answered by salihe66 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In this situation I think you need to turn your back.Forgive everything that has been done to you so you can heal and leave it all behind! If this person will not change own their own there is nothing you can do about it,you deserve to be treated with respect and you should be loved.This goes for any relationship. Family, Friends, Lovers.
2007-01-14 03:13:09 · answer #4 · answered by Zakia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've struggled with this one myself. The best way I can explain it is pretend I was dealing with a person on drugs. I will try to help them get help - counseling, rehab, etc. However, if they refuse to stop, then I must limit my association with them, or else I risk danger to myself. I forgive them and will continue to be of support when they need it.
2007-01-14 03:20:15 · answer #5 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forgive as many times as forgiveness is needed.
2007-01-14 03:08:20 · answer #6 · answered by Born Again Christian 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, you pray for them. You try and show them Gods love by forgiving them and try to think if you were her. Try to Get her to understand what hurts you and keep praying for her.
2007-01-14 03:09:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what Bhagavat Gita says is, "Do what all comes into mind, Leave the rest to the Almighty." He knows, you are not doing wrong. so, give ur response to the person who slapped you. God knows whose fault it is.
2007-01-14 03:12:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can forgive someone and also back away from them.
You do not have to let yourself keep on being hurt.
2007-01-14 03:08:22 · answer #9 · answered by Sicily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't turn your back just explain yourself.I know what you mean,and really enough is enough especially if this is messing with your life.Put your foot down,we are also not supposed to be weak.
2007-01-14 03:09:09 · answer #10 · answered by one10soldier 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋