There is a variation among us Christians as you say in the extent to which we have experienced God's forgiveness. I readily admit to being a foul sinner, forgiven by the grace of God in Christ Jesus my Lord. For that reason, I dare not withhold forgiveness from anyone else.
Likewise, I'm confident the prodigal son had a deeper appreciation for his father's love than the faithful son. The faithful son had his inheritance, but the prodigal son had his forgiveness. And I reckon he was more grateful than the faithful son could imagine.
And Paul, having persecuted the Christians, experienced tremendous forgiveness when God called Him to reveal His Son in Him. I doubt the other Christians in his day could appreciate the extent of his devotion.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:1-4
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20
To God be the glory, not man, never man!
Very well put and excellent Scriptures. Thanks.
My new mindset and prayer is that I can forgive others as I want them and God to forgive me.
I can find all kinds of reasons to blameshift and excuse my bad behavior and why people should go easy on me. I’ve always expected more from them than me.
Not very equitable, I’d say.