Christians Hope you are well. I have a question I had someone wrong me and say bad things about me that someone brought to my attention in an e-mail. Does a christian have a right to an apology? I dont expect her to say sorry because I know she is not and that is OK.
The reason I ask this is that I read the Bible and Jesus from what I read Jesus never demanded or required and apology for those that were mean to Him and crucified Him.
The easy thing to do would be to tell off the person who sent the e-mail and as well as the person promoting strife and negativity.
There is enough hurt and bitterness in the world without me added and contributing to the mess of life.
As a christian what is the Christ like thing to do when someone bad mouths you even when you dont even live near this person anymore?
Thank you for your answers Peace be with you. Have a wonderful weekend. E4G
2007-09-07 18:44:11 · 14 answers · asked by encourager4God 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Forgive her in your heart, and pray for her, allow God to deal with her. It sounds like she may have jealousy issues
2007-09-07 18:55:46 · answer #1 · answered by Rev.Michelle 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The way I see it, there is nothing wrong with wanting an apology from someone that betrays you before you would trust him or her again. However, forgiveness is something you do for yourself not for the other person.
When I discovered that a family member had be stealing from me (and not for the first time), I drew a clear line and told him that I no longer trusted him and that I would not allow him to be in my home without close supervision. I struggled for years before I came to this decision because I thought that loving him meant forgiving him for his actions. I finally realized that God didn't command me to be an enabler...that I had a right (an obligation even) to disassociate myself with an "immoral brother"...that I was not "loving him" by helping him stay on the wrong path. With God's help, I have forgiven him for what he did to me and my family and when I think of him now, instead of anger, I'm compelled to pray for him. However, before I will change my stance about allowing him to influence me or my son, I need a sincere, heart-felt apology from him (more accurately, I need to hear him confess to everything that he has ever denied and then say, "I'm sorry" not "I'm sorry but...").
2007-09-08 02:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From life experience - I would become VERY cautious about the person who was willing to distress you by bringing this to your attention.
If you no longer live near the sour person... what was the need in telling you, except to perhaps get a reaction that your "friend" could then forward to your detractor?
We are to forgive.
As humans - we want Justice... to be vindicated... and that is hard to overcome. YET we forget that God told us HE would handle the revenge.
From life experience:
When ever I seek to obtain my own justice - a great deal of pain usually occurs with less than satisfactory results.
When ever I let go and forgive them - and ask God to deal with them - He is able to obtain justice in ways we could never find on our own.
Remember Matthew Chapter 18 - and just release them to God. Do not even discuss it with the person who told you about it.
Matthew 18:15-17 If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. BUT DO IT IN PRIVATE, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower. But if that one refuses to listen, take along one or two others. The Scriptures teach that every complaint must be proven true by two or more witnesses [to what they did or said]. If the follower refuses to listen to them, report the matter to the church. Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector.
Remember 1st Corinthians 13:4-8a and seek to find a way to only speak/write lovingly about them if you HAVE to.... and if your friend continues to bring it up - only encourage them to do the same.
1st Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. **It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. ** Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!
I am so deeply sorry that you have had your heart wounded in this way. I know how hard it is to forgive without demanding an apology... just seek to be the better person in all of this... and again - be careful when writing your tattling friend.
Peace dear one.
2007-09-08 10:33:51 · answer #3 · answered by Depoetic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I experienced this a few times- and as a Christian, I have learned a lot in these hurtful times. We are to forgive the person, not just for their sake , but even more for ourselves and our relationship with God. I still feel that an apology should come from them. If they refuse to do that, just go on and forgive, however, forgiveness does not necessarily mean you have to trust those people . Forgiveness is granted, trust is earned. Hope that helps
2007-09-08 02:37:56 · answer #4 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think someone you don't know can't hurt you as much as someone you do. We all have a right to an apology but don't expect one. That way you are not disappointed when it doesn't come. I have fallen short in this very area myself. The Lord knows my heart whether the other person does or not. That's really all that matters. God bless.
2007-09-08 01:54:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The Bible says that we are to show love and by doing so we shall reap a reward from God on it, and it allows God to deal with that person, cuz lets face it, we can talk until we are blue in the face that dont mean nothing unless God deals with their heart and shows them that they are in the wrong and shows them what they have done and what they need to do to correct it. Only God can change their heart. Plus by u showing love, that might when them over to Christ and get them saved.....
2007-09-08 01:50:41 · answer #6 · answered by Apologist 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am not a Christian but here is what the Bible says that you should do from the pacifist teacher of your faith known as Jesus:
"Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. " -Matthew 5:38-42
2007-09-08 01:58:11 · answer #7 · answered by Demopublican 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
turn the other cheek
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42, NIV)
2007-09-08 01:52:58 · answer #8 · answered by jesus_freak1661 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Matthew Chapter 5, Verse 39-48 (KJV, but emphasis mine):
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ***But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?*** And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"
2007-09-08 01:51:22 · answer #9 · answered by nobody important 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the definition of love is giving without expecting a reward. so if god is love, then you should forgive without an apology, but, what do i know, I'm just an atheist.
2007-09-08 01:55:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋