When do we forgive? Who do we forgive? The new testament makes it clear in Matthew 6:14-15.
We must forgive all who trespass against you. No exception. We must pray for those who persecute us. This may takes a great deal of effort on our part but we must. We have no choice for we are disciples of Jesus.
Wisdom
There lies a fundamental difference between a person who selfishly trespassed against you and one who inadvertently trespassed against you. First you must forgive both. Again Christians are instructed to do so. However a person who deliberately committed (emphasis on deliberately ) an infraction against you is not working out from the New Testament. He or she is being governed by the reward and punishment system (blessing and curses). His/her willful act of disobedience against you requires that you forgive him but you must also be wise and remain vigilant towards the offender. Trust will need to be restored. During this period of trust-building you must not transgress the offender at anytime.You must love your enemies (Matth 5:43).
Now someone who is immerse in Divine Altruistic Love (agape) is working from his/her heart. It is still possible to offend someone but it was not intentional or malicious. You forgive such a person and the slate is clean. The relationship continues as it was before the offence.
Imagine walking down a busy street and a person deliberately bumps into you. You must forgive him and hold your peace but you will be careful walking by the offender the next time. Trust has to be restored. You dont hate him or curse him.You have forgiven the person. Now imagine the same incident takes place but the person who bumped into you did not intend to do so. He apologies and you forgive him and will probably never remember the incident.
Forgiveness allows Love to roll-on!
In God's Love
Colin
We must forgive all who trespass against you. No exception. We must pray for those who persecute us. This may takes a great deal of effort on our part but we must. We have no choice for we are disciples of Jesus.
Wisdom
There lies a fundamental difference between a person who selfishly trespassed against you and one who inadvertently trespassed against you. First you must forgive both. Again Christians are instructed to do so. However a person who deliberately committed (emphasis on deliberately ) an infraction against you is not working out from the New Testament. He or she is being governed by the reward and punishment system (blessing and curses). His/her willful act of disobedience against you requires that you forgive him but you must also be wise and remain vigilant towards the offender. Trust will need to be restored. During this period of trust-building you must not transgress the offender at anytime.You must love your enemies (Matth 5:43).
Now someone who is immerse in Divine Altruistic Love (agape) is working from his/her heart. It is still possible to offend someone but it was not intentional or malicious. You forgive such a person and the slate is clean. The relationship continues as it was before the offence.
Imagine walking down a busy street and a person deliberately bumps into you. You must forgive him and hold your peace but you will be careful walking by the offender the next time. Trust has to be restored. You dont hate him or curse him.You have forgiven the person. Now imagine the same incident takes place but the person who bumped into you did not intend to do so. He apologies and you forgive him and will probably never remember the incident.
Forgiveness allows Love to roll-on!
In God's Love
Colin
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