Up to this point in our search for the biblical doctrine and practice of forgiveness we have learned: 1) Forgiveness of your fellow man is an obligation if it is sought of you, 2) If you know you have offended, you have the obligation to seek forgiveness from the offended party, 3) The basis of your obligation to forgive, and the standard for it, is that you have been forgiven by God and you are to show mercy as you have been shown mercy by God, 4) Sin damages relationships, but true forgiveness and reconciliation means that, once forgiven, it is never to be brought up again, 5) You are to eagerly, not grudgingly, forgive. You are not to demand your "pound of flesh", 6) Divine forgiveness is not unconditional. For you are to be forgiven your sins and be reconciled to God, you must (genuinely) confess your sins and, without equivocation, acknowledge that you offended Him. Likewise, you must confess your sins against one another. If this is done, then forgiveness is full and free. Now, in the seventh installment, we are confronted with a difficult concept. What if the offender does not want reconciliation? Are you still obligated to forgive? What if there is no remorse and even a continuation of the hurt? What is the biblical standard? – Pastor Schlegel |
