Subject: Can we not ask God to forgive another? |
Bible Note: Hi: I agree that forgiveness is an accomplished fact (Colossians 2:13, etc.). Yet, strangely, God speaks of forgiveness as something he will do, or not do, depending on whether we meet certain conditions (Matthew 6:15; 1 John 1:9, etc.). It seems there is some appropriation to be done, somehow. All sin has been forgiven, and yet forgiveness is a part of salvation. And we do not believe in universal salvation, do we? It may be a matter of sanctification as well. We have been forgiven for all our sins, but we need forgiveness for our daily sins. We have been bathed, but we need our feet washed (John 13). I agree too, that we are to pray the offender recognizes his offense and chooses to respond with repentance. I suppose that is what we are really praying for when we ask God to forgive them. We tell him the results we would like, but that is his way of bringing it about. I agree as well, that it is good and necessary that the offender be confronted with his offence. But overall, there is too little information, too few facts about this case. We do not know what either person has done. Nor do we know what the capability of each one is. That is why I suppose we would want to put this in God’s hand. It does seem that these people may need professional counseling, but even if they do, the wise counselor will know the need to put it, and them, in God’s hand. |