Forgiveness (Part 2)

 Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?  Matthew 18:21

In this post, I will attempt to be as succinct as possible and allow the group to flesh out the discussion over the next few days.  Let's allow this session to be guided by the following questions:

• Why are we to forgive?
• Who are we to forgive?
• Why is it important?
• What impact does it have on our world and the kingdom to come?

This is where the issue of forgiveness gets sticky.  Most of us had rather justify our positions for "not" forgiving than to actually submit the God's command to do so. This is not to say that we should foolishly allow our hearts to be trampled on but, it does mean that we have some work to do if we are to grow in our relationship with Christ and others.  I'll do my best to keep my reasoning in context.  Feel free to correct me as needed!


The fact is that we will be "sinned against" and we will sin against others!  In light of this, we'll do well to sow grace generously and pray for an abundant harvest of the same.  A great deal of the pain that we experience comes from our fear of conflict.  Conflict, in and of itself, is not a bad thing.  It is necessary and natural if we are to become effective communicators of the Gospel.  It is also essential to the reconciliation process!  


The problem is usually a failure to deal with root causes or seek mediation.  We are much more content bickering over the "symptoms" of the hurt than to actually find and address the source of bleeding.  Here's my point, it is much easier to argue with your spouse or children over their "laziness" than it is to first pray for guidance and then to calmly disclose that the fact that this issue is really about our feeling abandoned or unappreciated.  


And yes . . . it is a two way street.  This is precisely why we must learn to rely on the Spirit's leading and not our own judgement of the situation.  Be forewarned:  our resolution to forgive and to be understanding doesn't necessarily mean that we'll receive the same courtesy in return.  This is especially true when a believer is dealing with a non-believer.  There is a different standard in play!  


In the end, it is not about the other person's choices.  It's about us and the choices we make as Christians in light of the forgiveness that Jesus has shown us.  Is this fair?  I suppose that depends on your point of reference.  If you are judging fairness by the standards of the world and our "equal rights" culture then the answer is very likely 'no".  If your are judging forgiveness by the standard of God's Word and as citizens of the coming kingdom then you will probably better understand its evangelistic implications as they relate to an eternal standard.


Below are a few Scriptures to chew on as you prepare to answer the question that I asked at the beginning of this discussion.


Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."  Matthew 18:22


"Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves.  So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves."  Matthew 10:16


Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Luke 23:34


But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 5:8


God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:17


. . . And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us.  For we are familiar with his evil schemes.  2 Corinthians 2:10b-11.


If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  But, if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'  Matthew 18:14-16


Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.   Colossians 3:12-14