Forgiveness…No Strings Attached…

Forgiveness
No Strings Attached…

Q. I’m having a hard time forgiving someone who really hurt me. I heard that we can’t really give forgiveness to unrepentant people. So do I still have to forgive the offender?

Answer:

This is a tough one, isn’t it? We know how hard it is to forgive those who have struck deep wounds into the core of our being.

If…Then…

The verse you’re referring to is: “If your brother repents, …forgive him” (Luke 17:3).

Some bible teachers say that if a person does not repent of his sins, then he can’t be technically “forgiven” for what he did. In other words, how can you offer “forgiveness” to someone who doesn’t care or know they have hurt you? They aren’t “sorry” or repentant so they can’t technically be forgiven.

No Strings

There is some merit in this position. But, there are other verses, too, that suggest we must forgive freely without strings attached. Here are a few:

…“forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matt. 6:12).

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matt. 6:14-15, NASB).

“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart” (Matt. 18:35).

…”pardon, and you will be pardoned” (Luke 6:37).

“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy…” (James 2:13).

A Formal Transaction?

The sense of these verses is that we must be willing to forgive freely, generously, speedily – and from the heart. These verses do not support those bible teachers who insist that forgiveness is strictly a formal transaction whereby a forgiven one must repent and the offended party promises in return never to bring up the sin again.

Be Peaceable to All

Sadly, some church goers become so unpleasant and confrontational in their quest to confront offenders in order to “forgive” them that they ignore Paul’s advice to, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).

In their desire to “confront” they become impossible to be around. People usually begin to avoid them.

Forgiving Enemies

Remember that both Jesus and Stephen cried out, “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing,” as they were persecuted and put to death by their enemies!

This was clearly a matter of unconditional forgiveness. They understood God’s justice and prayerfully interceded for their enemies.

God Avenges Wrongs

We must always remember that we are not to take our own revenge because God will take care of those who have committed wrongs against us.

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘VENGEANCE is MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

God’s Sovereignty

We can remember that God is sovereign in our lives. He is in control so that we can say as Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me. But God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). We can rest in Him knowing that He causes all things to work together for our good (Ro. 8:28).
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