Christ teaches that giving love and granting forgiveness should always be our response toward those that sin against us. He even went as far as telling us to "love thy enemy" and to "turn the other cheek". Why do so few Christians not practice what Christ preached?
2007-02-16 23:27:20 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You can forgive someone for the actions they've taken but still hold them accountable.
And honestly I think if we had more accountability we wouldn't have as many things to forgive because people would be more mindful of others.
2007-02-17 03:33:51 · answer #1 · answered by Brieanne C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God is just, fair and reasonable. He loves all His children equally and without favor. Our forgiveness simply means that we are deferring to God’s divine justice. Through the operation of the Divine Principle of Karma, the Law of Sowing and Reaping, everyone gets his fair due. Justice will be done, always – even if postponed to another lifetime or incarnation.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek because he knows that God metes out His divine justice on everyone. However, many Christians are unaware or disbelieve in karma, so they are unable to practice what Jesus teaches them.
Vengeance is not the same thing. Here, we are not seeking justice, but are bent on exacting retribution. The difference is in the motivation. The motive for vengeance is our own selfish gratification. The motive for justice is the good of all the concerned parties.
2007-02-17 00:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by Angel Luz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forgiveness is not the same as not seeking justice or vengeance.
We are admonished to forgive, for if we do not forgive, nor will Our Father in Heaven forgive us.
Justice is mandated, we ought to seek appropriate justice at all turns, because it is in fact in the best interest of others. God wants us to show justice to others in order for the oppressed, the downtrodden, the misused etc. will have a voice, and that those who do wrong may be corrected for their errors.
Vengeance on the other hand belongs only to God.
2007-02-16 23:55:36 · answer #3 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would argue that justice and vengeance are two different things. We are never allowed to seek vengeance, whether we forgive or not.
So for example, if someone murdered my husband, I would forgive him and seek no vengeance, but justice (the trial, court, sentence) of men would still apply to him whether I forgave him or not.
2007-02-16 23:34:32 · answer #4 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being Christ like is to endeavor to practice the principles outlined in his teachings,however; in perfection prohibits us from doing so .It can also cloud our ability to determine if others are truly being forgiving because you see we cannot read the heart .only what is displayed in a physical sense. and finally forgiving means to me be honest open minded and willing to accept the person who trespassed against you.
2007-02-16 23:38:05 · answer #5 · answered by adelbert321 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong in seeking justice - it is when vengeance is sought that we err. Vengeance is unneccesary and goes beyond justice - it satisfies inn er evil desires.
2007-02-16 23:35:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it means that you do not hold the person accountable in the Spirit. But you still seek justice. God takes care of vengeance.
I Cr 13;8a.
2007-02-16 23:33:39 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋