I’ve often wondered about that. God doesn’t forgive us until we admit and agree with Him that we’ve sinned, we humble ourselves, confess, repent, and attempt to turn from that sin.
In most cases, it would not be hard for us to forgive another person if that person came to us, confessed, humbled themselves, and asked forgiveness. But all too often that does not happen. Heinous crimes are committed, and the offender sits in the courtroom all smirking and defiant. Must the victims still forgive him?
If Christians are required to forgive offenders who are not sorry and never ask forgiveness, (and most Christians would say they are,) then are humans held to a higher standard than God?
Then I think of cases like the Chattanooga victims’ families, and Amish people who forgive their children’s murderers. God must enable them to do it, I guess.
...”cases like the Chattanooga victims’ families, and Amish people who forgive their children’s murderers. God must enable them to do it”....
And that goes equally for all forgiveness we give others....for in us is no good thing ....apart from him our righteousness is as filthy rags....so imagine what our sin looks like!
God Only is good....He moves us to act accordingly..
Also...Forgiveness does not mean there will be no repercussions or consequences. God is also a God of Justice... even when men fail to carry that out as he requires.
In most cases, it would not be hard for us to forgive another person if that person came to us, confessed, humbled themselves, and asked forgiveness. But all too often that does not happen. Heinous crimes are committed, and the offender sits in the courtroom all smirking and defiant. Must the victims still forgive him?It makes living and loving a whole lot easier, if one forgives the perpetrator (not always a heinous crime is involved; just your basic pain from this or that being said that is hurtful) so one can move on. Without doing so, there is a blockade (of anger) one must deal with each and every day. "Let go and let God" is a familiar quote I've heard from time to time. As soon as you lift your head to Jesus, and say, "I forgive so-and-so for ....." a certain peace can immediately come forth, and if not right away, in short time...
That people forgive without the transgressor repenting for their wrong does not mean much to me.
Is it forgiveness or just misguided apathy? I say the latter.
Again, I get that a Christian should not allow themselves to be consumed with a grudge, but I see absolutely no theological basis for Christians forgiving an unrepentant transgressor.
True forgiveness does indeed mean a lack of consequences, otherwise its rather meaningless forgiveness. If someone steals my car and I forgive them the moment they do it, why would I call the police? That makes no sense.
“In most cases, it would not be hard for us to forgive another person if that person came to us, confessed, humbled themselves, and asked forgiveness. But all too often that does not happen. Heinous crimes are committed, and the offender sits in the courtroom all smirking and defiant. Must the victims still forgive him?”
Jesus himself gave us an example of that circumstance, when he was being crucified, even as they sat mocking Him, He prayed to ask the Lord to forgive them.