Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | forgiveness | Matt 18:1 | Parable | 191335 | ||
Before you can answer this question, you must know it means to forgive. This is hard to put into words, but here's what I believe is consistent with the biblical teachings on forgiveness: To forgive is to surrender your right to see justice done, or to be the one who brings justice to the transgressor. Forgiveness releases us from the mental/emotional attachment that binds us to the transgressor. Lack of forgiveness leads to resentment and bitterness, and these attachments often become a form of idolatry because they keep the transgressor foremost in your mind and heart, instead of keeping those places reserved for God. Forgiveness doesn't mean you condone or approve of what was done to harm you. It just means that you are separating yourself completely from any obligation you may feel to make things right. As Christians, we are blessed because we can forgive knowing that the Lord will address the wrongs that were committed, one way or another. By surrendering this to Him, we allow him to act according to His plan for that person. Thus, forgiveness witnesses to our faith in Him. Finally, forgiveness does not mean that you allow the transgressions to continue, and it does not mean that the other person has to apologize first, or ever,for that matter. Peace. |
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2 | forgiveness | Matt 18:1 | humbledbyhisgrace | 191345 | ||
Greetings Brother! I agree with Hank. I struggle with much of what you have posted here on forgiveness. Read The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Does this leave you with the same understanding as you have posted? Or perhaps 2 Corinthians 2:5-11...? Forgiveness must come from the heart! Surely the Lord God searches the heart and knows it well and from Him we can hide nothing! It seems to me that your presentation of forgiveness is rooted in selfishness. It must be rooted in love! Ephesians 4:31-32 (NASB) 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB) 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. You stated "this is hard to put in words" and I agree, some times it is very hard to find the right words. Been there many times myself :-) But united in His spirit seeking to understand His word we can over come that! Perhaps it is just the way you presented it that is confusing but it appears to me that your understanding of forgiveness is missing some key points. God's grace, His compassion, His mercy and love! Maybe I am misunderstanding you so if you would, try providing scripture and explaining your understanding based on the scripture. God bless, Steve |
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3 | forgiveness | Matt 18:1 | Hank | 191359 | ||
Steve, a tip of the hat to you on your post which is generously laced with Scripture references, a beacon of light in this thread which is dominated by opinion without Scripture. And opinion on theological matters bereft of scriptural reference or support is like a ship without a rudder. On a Forum such as this whose raison d'etre is to study God's word, it would be a most encouraging sign to see more of "Thus saith the Lord" and less of "Thus opineth I." How easily we all of us can get caught in the trap of our own cherished opinion and stumble along the way, losing sight of the eternal truth that it is God's word (not ours) that is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Cf. Ps. 119:105). --Hank | ||||||
4 | forgiveness | Matt 18:1 | skccab | 191360 | ||
Hank, Sometimes trying to figure out how to apply scriptural ideals to our personal lives requires stepping out of the safety of the boat and taking steps on the water. Sometimes we sink, sometimes we don't. But we always learn. And studying the Word is the point of this forum, yes. But don't we also need to be able to figure out how to live it? And we are not all as scripturally learned as many of you are - but you were once where we are now. Have faith. With mature fathers (1 Jn 2:13)such as many of you here on SBF how can we not grow? Cheri Shalom |
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5 | forgiveness | Matt 18:1 | Hank | 191363 | ||
Cheri, even though the hour is late and I came within a hair of closing my computerized toy box for the night, I saw your post addressed to me, read it, and decided to respond briefly, which for me could run into several pages. :-) ...... Cheri, you made an important point when you raised the crucial issue of the tension that we all of us experience, in varying degrees perhaps, depending upon where along the road we happen to be in our walk with Christ, between knowiedge of the word of God and application of that knowledge to our lives. And I don't for a moment believe, or claim as my achievement, that anyone this side of glory ever does, or can, reach a flawless homeostatis between knowledge and application; or, one could say, between knowing what to do and doing it. ...... But we cannot apply God's word to our lives unless we know what it is, can we? So the point I wish to make is that the first step, the sine qua non, in doing what God wants us to do is to apply ourselves first, and diligently, to learning, to which there is no royal road. It comes no other way except by study. Some Scripture references along these lines are as follows: 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:25; 1 Peter 2:2; Deut. 11:18-21; Ps. 1:2; Ps. 119:11. There is more, much more, that could be said about the importance of studying God's word. Perhaps I'll say more about it anon. For now, Cheri, I do hope that this little dissertation will help you in some small way. --Hank | ||||||
6 | forgiveness | Matt 18:1 | skccab | 191365 | ||
Hank, Your help is never "small." :-) Your words are deep and take much thought, and quite a bit of chewing. Thank you for your efforts. They are much appreciated. Sleep well. Cheri |
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