I'm christian but I don't understand, why Jesus urged us to be generous with those that don't love us

Question

he said it was commendable of you when you forgive someone that hurts you, but then you feel as if you've lost a battle and weak

Answer 1

we will someday be rewarded for our labors

Answer 2

Sometimes it takes more strength to forgive someone than to lash back or not forgive. I am not Christian but I see the wisdom that is being advocated here. There can be no peace without understanding and forgiveness. This concept occurs in other religions as well. It shows that some people realized that in order to have peace we must first project it ourselves. If everyone were unwilling to make a battle there would be no wars. That doesn't mean you can't defend yourself with firmness and kindness. I think the message is to also try to understand why the person behaved that way, this is how we arrive at true forgiveness. Once you understand you can begin a dialog that can lead to healing as well.

Answer 3

Only if you judge by human standards. Remember that the things God asks of us are contrary to what the world tells you to do. The world says, just as you pointed out, don't be weak, fight back, don't let anyone take advantage of you, and if they do, make sure you get even with them. This is the way of the world, it's not the way Jesus wants us to live.

He said the meek shall inherit the earth. The more you study the person of Jesus Christ, the more you will understand. After all, He could have called down angels to save Him from the crucifixtion, but he did not. Why? Because He knew dying on the cross would save us. Therefore, let us use Him as our example. How do you know that your meek behavior, not seeking to get even, will not influence a person who has only seen those who battle back? A gentle spirit, allowing the Lord to be their "defense" can have a great influence on this present wrathful world. Follow Him, in the end you will understand why.

Answer 4

It's because that's the only way to make the world better. Everyone knows the survival advantage of protecting yourself and avoiding enemies. The Christian message is to take risks and demonstrate to others how trust and cooperation are gained by showing it first. It's nothing more than the Golden Rule. The strength is in enduring the risk. Fear is the weakness here. Sure, people can exploit what they see as gullibility but hopefully, through your consistent example, they will come to get the greater idea.

Answer 5

Why did Jesus command it? One it shows we are his followers 1 Jn 2: 8-11, 2) Jesus did it himself, when were still enemies of God Jesus died for us - Rm 5:10. 3) It sets us free ! Have you ever thought that forgiveness is a sign of strength not weakness? Just think how many people get ill through being stressed out by holding grudges against people and trying to justify it by saying he / she did that to me so they deserve it. Forgiving and letting go takes courage and is liberating. Holding on to past hurts (no matter how recent) is the devils way of holding us back. Don't agree? Think how much time and energy people waste trying to get one back or over on someone else and how better else that energy could be spent! Fourth, have not all sinned (Rm 3:23), so you have made enemies and I expect you would want them to forgive you.

Finally, if you only love those who love you what kind of love is that? Jesus demands agape (unconditional love) for that's the one He gave, dying in our place for our sin Rm 5:8.

Answer 6

I'm agnostic but I understand what he said. Forgiveness is the core of Jesus' teachings because God loves all humanity despite individual failings. Therefore, each person is worth saving and the way to do so is through kindness, not spite.

You will never win someone over (and convert them to Christianity) by attacking them. You can only do so by showing them forgivess. By setting the example for goodness, by being "Christ Like" which is what it is supposed to mean by being "Christian"

Answer 7

Christian's enemy is within. To overcome, Christians have to fight it off consciously to develop a better habit. Notice every Jesus teachings/ways are meant to demonize our soul or ego? Every actions we successfully implemented the Jesus' way hurts us. But what we may not realize is that we are giving our spirit stronger voice, connection or representation. When Christians give up their life they do it without taking other lives with them as practiced by some extremists. Everyday they give part of their life channeled through several conduits or conduct namely: honesty, generosity, forgiveness, compassion, love and selflessness. These practices open ourselves to the spirit of God and enjoys and sense of peace and love in return.

Answer 8

I think that it has to do with what is in your heart. Jesus does not want us to be wimps, but He wants us to be strong yet Loving. If you don't forgive the person that hurt you, you are no better than them if they have evil in their heart. Forgiving is not saying "oh it is OK, think nothing of it". Forgiveness is saying "you really hurt me, but I forgive you and allow you to go on your way to be a better person. It also allows you to move on and not hold the (what ever it was they did) in your mind and dwell on it. You forgive not so much for the other person, but for yourself. It makes you have more love in your heart and become a better person. "Do not return evil for evil" Jesus tells us too. All of this is to help us to grow in Love and let go of hate and evil. We are to bring Love into the world and by forgiving we are able to dispel some of the darkness.

Answer 9

Your not weak if you can forgive, people who can back down and forgive those who dont deserve it are stronger than anyone! It takes real strength of character to swallow your pride. Jesus told us to be compassionate-theres so many things we do that he forgives us for, and he says we should follow him so why not? At least you know it will do more good than harm.

Answer 10

Forgiveness is the key to happiness. Read what Abe Lincolon said on the subject.

"For too long, every ounce of forgiveness I owned was locked away, hidden from view, waiting for me to bestow its precious presence upon some worthy person. Alas, I found most people to be singularly unworthy of my valuable forgiveness, and since they never asked for any, I kept it all for myself. Now, the forgiveness that I hoarded has sprouted inside my heart like a crippled seed yielding bitter fruit.
No more! At this moment, my life has taken on new hope and assurance. Of all the world's population, I am one of the few possessors of the secret to dissipating anger and resentment. I now understand that forgiveness has value only when it is given away. By the simple act of granting forgiveness, I release the demons of the past about which I can do nothing, and I create in myself a new heart, a new beginning.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness.
Many are the times when I have seethed in anger at a word or deed thrown into my life by an unthinking or uncaring person. I have wasted valuable hours imagining revenge or confrontation. Now I see the truth revealed about this psychological rock inside my shoe. The rage I nurture is often one-sided, for my offender seldom gives thought to his offense!
I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it. By the act of forgiving, I am no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts. I give up my bitterness. I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellow man.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly.
Knowing that slavery in any form is wrong, I also know that the person who lives a life according to the opinion of others is a slave. I am not a slave. I have chosen my counsel. I know the difference between right and wrong. I know what is best for the future of my family, and neither misguided opinion nor unjust criticism will alter my course.
Those who are critical of my goals and dreams simply do not understand the higher purpose to which I have been called. Therefore, their scorn does not affect my attitude or action. I forgive their lack of vision, and I forge ahead. I now know that criticism is part of the price paid for leaping past mediocrity.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself.
For many years, my greatest enemy has been myself. Every mistake, every miscalculation, every stumble I made has been replayed again and again in my mind. Every broken promise, every day wasted, every goal not reached has compounded the disgust I feel for the lack of achievement in my life. My dismay has developed a paralyzing grip. When I disappoint myself, I respond with inaction and become more disappointed.
I realize today that it is impossible to fight an enemy living in my head. By forgiving myself, I erase the doubts, fears, and frustration that have kept my past in the present. From this day forward, my history will cease to control my destiny. I have forgiven myself. My life has just begun.
I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly. I will forgive myself.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit."

Answer 11

It's the ultimate proof that we are His disciples when we show unconditional love to everyone, especially to our enemies. It's easy to love people who love you but when we are kind to those who don't love us, that's when we're being the most like Jesus. Forgiving others makes you stronger even though it may not feel like it @ the time. Do it in faith & release them to God. Peace & blessings to you.