this is an interesting concept to me. I've only just heard it today and I've been a follower of Jesus for over 20 years.
Walking under the assumption that we forgive with abandon, this concept seems foreign....
what do you think?
2007-12-19 13:57:42 · 41 answers · asked by Ramjet 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
for everyone's interest - I posted two questions yesterday in which the same answerer suggested that forgiveness only came after the person repented.
Jesus didn't teach that - so I was wondering what everyone thought of the concept.
thank you all for your answers! :)))
2007-12-19 14:13:26 · update #1
This is a very good question and one that I have never considered...
God Himself does not forgive us if we do not repent of our sin,yet we have always been taught to forgive others their tresspasses with a reckless abandon...Jesus said that we should forgive 70 X 7,if our brother approaches us and "repents"...it almost seems as if once again,repentence is a prerequisite to forgiveness....but...
Jesus also stated that if we do not forgive others their sins against us,then God would not forgive us for our sin...and again: "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;
In this passage,those who are the tresspassers,clearly have not repented,yet we are told to repay evil with kindness...
I think that possibly the answer to this seeming contradiction,is that first of all,in the first text illustrated a "brother" in the Lord, WOULD repent and ask forgiveness(this is assumed to be the case)..in other words,the point being made was not that we forgive ONLY if our Brother repents,but that we SHOULD forgive...(it is assumed that as he is a brother in the Lord...HE would repent...We should forgive either way, to keep our own hearts pure...
In the second and third passages,Christians are commanded to forgive anyone outside of the kingdom of God as well, that God will also be willing to forgive us...even those who continue to sin against us,with no sign of a repentent heart..
This was lengthy and I'm not sure if I was able to get my point across,but I believe that my understanding is fairly accurate.
God Bless You,(((Rammie))))
(((Peace Yo)))...summed up my same thoughts,very nicely...Good answer!!
2007-12-19 14:28:52 · answer #1 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
This is funny that you should bring up this subject because the same thing happened to me. Last week I was asking a question about forgiveness and Yachadoo introduced me to this Scripture that I had missed somehow.
Luke 17 3-4 " I am warning you. If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him. Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and ASKS FORGIVENESS, forgive him."
I had always forgiven people withou them repenting and now I am really a little confused about what to think about this.
I did however ask a Pastor about this a while back and he said that when we forgive, we should treat the offender like the offence had never happened, just like God treats us.
So Rammie, I guess I am not answering your question very well, because I need further explanation myself on this subject. Like you I am a little confused. Hope someone will a little different perspective can give us an answer.
Blessings (((Rammie)))
Kait
2007-12-20 01:01:10 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Luke 17.3-4: [Jesus said] Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, "I repent," you must forgive.
The key word there is "if." IF there is repentance, you MUST forgive. This implies that if there is not repentance, forgiveness is not required. Think of it this way: do you believe that God forgives you even when you don't repent of your sins? Are we supposed to be held to a higher standard than God?
On the other hand, what more Christ-like thing can we do than to forgive others, even without repentance? Forgiveness may not be REQUIRED without repentance, but that doesn't mean it cannot be offered without repentance.
Good question; lots of food for thought here.
.
2007-12-20 04:07:42 · answer #3 · answered by Stranger In The Night 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi Ranmjet whether they repent or not we should always forgive. I have had hurts happen to me by others and not once did they ever repent or say sorry but I forgave them because that is what Jesus would want me to do. When Jesus died on the cross before dying he said Father forgive them for they no not what they do there were many that did not repent for what they did to Jesus but he forgave them anyway. If you dont forgive others God wont forgive your sins and that is found in scripture as well.
2007-12-20 00:55:56 · answer #4 · answered by encourager4God 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't believe this by any means. One of the most spiritually rewarding and freeing experiences of my life was finally coming to the point of being able to forgive my (earthly) father. He's still not repentant, but I'm free of the hate, anger, and bitterness that I once associated with him. If I had decided to sit around and wait for him to apologize first, I'd be a miserable person today!
2007-12-20 05:03:38 · answer #5 · answered by Rachel loves lasagna 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hmmmmm, forgiveness the smallest largest word in our vocabulary...... As a human I struggle with that word every day, just as we all do I think, but after being on this earth for nearly 50 years I find the one who suffers the most when forgiveness is NOT given is the one who will not forgive....It may and most times does take time, it is not an easy thing to do in all cases, I know this, but, the ONE common factor we all have is MISTAKES ...... some small, medium and some very large, and some even extra large !!! and Jesus does NOT command forgiveness, He does expect it from a Child of God..... The most important question a Christian can ask there self is : Am I perfect ?????? go in peace........ God bless
2007-12-19 15:57:40 · answer #6 · answered by Annie 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
No. As a follower of Jesus, you must always forgive even if the other person does not repent or even accept your forgiveness. The all-seeing eye is watching you and your actions.
2007-12-21 00:50:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Forgiveness is required in the Christians life. Note forgiveness only means not getting back at them. If you are talking about relationships with out repentance there can be no relationship so although you have forgiven them there is no longer a relationship. All you can do is give the person to God and move on.
2007-12-19 14:20:00 · answer #8 · answered by Curtis 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Let him that sins repent before God, not humans. Jesus gave us a commandment, to forgive our brothers. Somebody asked him, "how many times must I forgive my brother? 7 times?" And Jesus replied "77 times." Note that 7 in the Bible is a symbol for perfection (the perfect number) so by 77 Jesus meant 'always and perfectly forgive your brother'. We cannot offer everlasting life to our brothers, only God can, and we ourselves are judged by to what degree we forgive others.
2007-12-19 22:49:01 · answer #9 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ramjet!! It's you! Nice to see you again.
No, I believe you should forgive someone because God requires forgiveness. If we don't forgive others, Our Father in Heaven will not forgive us. It's not an option, and God doesn't say they have to repent before WE forgive them. They must repent for Him to forgive, though. Only God has the power to ask for repentance for sins.
Jesus said to forgive as many times as 70 times 7, or just keep on forgiving. It's hard, I know, I've had to do it, but God requires it, like I said. God Bless
edit: Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who nailed Him on the cross.
2007-12-19 14:07:24 · answer #10 · answered by byHisgrace 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋