Posted on 05/29/2025 4:44:42 AM PDT by metmom
“‘“. . . as we also have forgiven our debtors”’” (Matthew 6:12).
Even as we have been forgiven, we need to forgive. This is the character of righteousness. But because of our sinful flesh, we are often inconsistent with that duty and need constant exhortation (cf. Rom. 7:14–25).
The Lord Jesus’ own example is a powerful motivation for us to forgive others. Paul reminds us, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32; 1 John 2:6). In view of such divine graciousness, our forgiveness of another’s sin expresses one of humanity’s highest virtues: “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression” (Prov. 19:11).
Extending genuine forgiveness to fellow believers benefits the entire body of Christ. Few other things have so weakened the church’s power than unforgiveness among believers. Notably, mutually unforgiven, unresolved sins such as conflicts among members can really hinder a church’s effectiveness. The psalmist warns us, “If [we] regard wickedness in [our] heart, the Lord will not hear” (Ps. 66:18; cf. Matt. 5:23–24; 1 Cor. 1:10–13; 3:1–9).
Harboring an unforgiving attitude is just plain sinful and invites God’s chastening, as does any sin (1 Cor. 11:30; Heb. 12:5–13). But forgiving others brings God’s forgiveness to us, and nothing in the Christian life is more important than that. Puritan Thomas Manton said, “There is none so tender to others as they which have received mercy themselves, for they know how gently God hath dealt with them.”
Ask Yourself
Is there a relationship in your own life that continues to suffer from your unwillingness to forgive, from your deliberate decision to cling to your hurt and bitterness? This would be a good day to let this burden go, forgiving any who have wronged you—the same way God has forgiven you.
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Forgive yes. Forget never.
Fool me once.....................
Christians are under no obligation to forgive anyone until they’ve asked for it and repented.
Forgiveness ain’t a penny candy to be just handed out.
L
Scripture does support that.
God doesn’t blanket forgive us because we demand it. We need to ask.
Nevertheless, there is also the need for letting go of offenses and turning them and the offender over to God. Some people seem to think that’s forgiveness.
I don’t know if it is or not, but I know that holding on to offenses can destroy someone.
Got a verse?
Try Luke 17:3 on for size.
L
Well, that verse does mention a BROTHER.
This verse emphasizes the importance of accountability and forgiveness among believers...
I was thinking more along the lines of THIS:
Matthew 5:38-40 nivNo mention of repentance here.38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
Matthew doesn’t mention forgiveness in that verse.
And I just noticed this is a Caucus thread which means I don’t belong here. So I’m going to politely excuse myself.
Best,
L
But he does mention some mighty strange reactions to being wronged.
Mark 11:25-26
And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.” / But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.
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