here's the scripture directly from Christ for those who are downvoting, "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours."
Forgiveness and trust are two different things. If you ask a family member to hold your wallet and he steals from you, you can forgive the debt without ever asking him or her to hold your wallet ever again.
There are many Christians who struggle with this. I struggle with it. I've thought about this verse thousands of times.
I don't think God expects us to keep a perfect inventory of every wrong committed, and then deliberately meditate upon it and forgive it. Since we would spend our time doing nothing else.
At the same time, I think God will bring this verse to the attention of every true believer, since it is something we should keep in mind. And it should awe us how truly in need of Christ's salvation we are, since we are so weak.
When I struggle the most, I try to assess whether they were merely trespassing against my own pride, or if they were actually trespassing against God. And if I am blameless of any similar trespasses.
I've struggled with this more in the last few years than I ever thought I would.
the Father won't forgive those who can't forgive.
here's the scripture directly from Christ for those who are downvoting, "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours."
Forgiveness and trust are two different things. If you ask a family member to hold your wallet and he steals from you, you can forgive the debt without ever asking him or her to hold your wallet ever again.
Not forgiving, and not showing mercy means you have hate in your heart. Not trusting an untrustworthy person is just being smart.
Turning the other cheek only means you'll get slap again. Sometimes, punching back is the correct answer.
Agreed, I never said the contrary.
I pointed that out because I’d guess that those who are downvoting get the two mixed up. I know you already knew that based on your previous comments.
yeet
There are many Christians who struggle with this. I struggle with it. I've thought about this verse thousands of times.
I don't think God expects us to keep a perfect inventory of every wrong committed, and then deliberately meditate upon it and forgive it. Since we would spend our time doing nothing else.
At the same time, I think God will bring this verse to the attention of every true believer, since it is something we should keep in mind. And it should awe us how truly in need of Christ's salvation we are, since we are so weak.
When I struggle the most, I try to assess whether they were merely trespassing against my own pride, or if they were actually trespassing against God. And if I am blameless of any similar trespasses.
I've struggled with this more in the last few years than I ever thought I would.
and trust me, you will feel so much better once you've done it.
Sin less. Give food and water to the homeless when possible. Call your folks (provided they're not commies). Pray often. Avoid grudges.
It seems pretty equitable to me.
He does expect you to forgive everyone. I know, its tough, probably the hardest thing people are asked to do.