Forgive Like God.

[Pastor Mayende.]

"How Can I Forgive Like God?
HOME> Spiritual Growth Articles> How Can I Forgive Like God?
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
Forgive as God forgives? Willingly, repeatedly, completely? This can feel impossible.

Perhaps what amazes me most is that the Lord forgives joyfully.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “for the joy set before him he endured the cross . . .”

His gladness astounds me because I tend to doubt God’s approval and acceptance of me. How wonderful that despite ugly behavior, our messes and mistakes, our good-hearted Father continues to see the precious child he created and pronounces this creation good. His loving affection is not something that ever was or ever can be earned.

If we are to forgive like God, the idiom “grin and bear it,” is not exactly what Paul meant when he wrote “bear with each other . . .” (Col. 3:13) The whiner, the blunt critic, the person who always has to be right—who is that irritant in your personal oyster shell? Imagine God saying, “This person you find so difficult—I happen to be very fond of her!”

Sometimes it’s difficult to see anything good in someone who has hurt us deeply, to see that underneath all the distortions of sin, he or she possesses inherent and unique God-given attributes. The wounds remain too all-consuming.

It can take years to work through layers of pain, and it must be said that forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. Accountability and wise boundaries are always appropriate. Nevertheless, it can be a sign of healing when we truly glimpse God’s heart for the offender. As Ruth Chou Simmons writes, “We call it forgiveness when we’ve ‘moved on,’ but I think forgiveness is when you let tenderness ‘move in.’”

Prayer: Lord, teach us to forgive like you so that our hearts may become joyfully free. Amen"

 

[bobinfaith]

Hello Pastor Mayende;

It dawned on me that to forgiveness may not be the same in your country as my country. Does that make sense?

Example, a couple of guys (men) can get into a verbal argument and the next day they can forget about it. Because we're guys. But does this mean reconciliation? Not exactly.

I agree with you. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.

God bless you, Pastor.

Bob

 

[forgiven61]

Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.

if there is true forgiveness then reconciliation. should follow

The act of reconciling, or the state of being reconciled; reconcilenment; restoration to harmony; renewal of friendship,

it does not mean if they burnt you for hundred dollars you turn around loan them 500.00 . there are people i have dealt with in the ministry . that has burnt me i dont harbor ill will nor would i use them again unless there was evidence of turning a new leaf

 

[BibleLover]

if there is true forgiveness then reconciliation. should follow

The act of reconciling, or the state of being reconciled; reconcilenment; restoration to harmony; renewal of friendship,

it does not mean if they burnt you for hundred dollars you turn around loan them 500.00 . there are people i have dealt with in the ministry . that has burnt me i dont harbor ill will nor would i use them again unless there was evidence of turning a new leaf

Forgiveness is one-way, and reconciliation is two-way. You can forgive someone against whom you held a grudge even after their death or otherwise in their absence. Reconciliation requires the forgiven person to be present or in contact with the forgiver.

I can think of some instances where forgiveness won't bring reconciliation. For example a child molesting father learns of the existence of his grandchildren, and his previous victim can forgive him for Christ's sake yet never let him near his granddaughter for her safety.

 

[Cosia]

I have noticed that forgiveness takes a heavy load of your shoulders, especially if it was a very big incident, and you don't remember it the same, because the hurt is not there any more.
Completely forgetting is the hard part. But possible.

 

[forgiven61]

I can think of some instances where forgiveness won't bring reconciliation. For example a child molesting father learns of the existence of his grandchildren, and his previous victim can forgive him for Christ's sake yet never let him near his granddaughter for her safety.

yes i agree but still i did search of Bible here shows my point Reconciliation in the Bible refers to the process of restoring a broken relationship, particularly between humanity and God, as well as among individuals. It emphasizes forgiveness, healing, and unity, with Jesus being central to this message, as He provides the means for reconciliation through His sacrifice.. while i do agree on 2 way and certainly the child molester should be grateful a person has true grace. because in the natural man and even the new man . it would take great restraint to keep from snapping them in half . your example in real life would be a test ..i may not pass

 

[Dave F.]

Matthew 5:23-24 King James Version (KJV)​

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Forgiveness and reconciliation go hand in hand. Jesus taught both and we should strive to do both. He never said it would be easy and I don't think He expects us to do it instantly, as we are flawed. Still He said... as much as it is up to you, live at peace with everyone (paraphrased).

 

[bobinfaith]

Forgiveness is one-way, and reconciliation is two-way. You can forgive someone against whom you held a grudge even after their death or otherwise in their absence. Reconciliation requires the forgiven person to be present or in contact with the forgiver. I can think of some instances where forgiveness won't bring reconciliation. For example a child molesting father learns of the existence of his grandchildren, and his previous victim can forgive him for Christ's sake yet never let him near his granddaughter for her safety.

Hello BibleLover;

Forgiveness is one way and reconciliation is two-way. You are correct and we shared this in your thread, Questions.

Jesus provides teachings in the discipline of forgiveness in Matthew 6:12-15 and reconciliation in several passages of the Old and New Testaments.

It all hones into human relationships which are not always easy, but it is our biggest learning priority in the Gospels.

Just last Saturday I had a conversation with my cousin and his wife who live overseas. We had a mix up in our communication which irritated me by the tone of my voice. Late Saturday evening and at Church last Sunday it convicted me so I strived to do the right thing. I contacted him when we got home.

I apologized to him, he forgave me and said it wasn't a big deal, but made himself clear to me which made me remain quiet while listening to him. We arrived at an understanding.

I could have just let it go because we've been cousins since we were little kids. We'll see them in July and by then it would all have been forgotten. But in my spirit this wasn't right.

My point is we can make all kinds of excuses for not confessing our wrongs, avoid asking forgiveness and not arriving at reconciliation. We can take the Scriptures and practice it only partially. But this all goes against the Lord's teachings.

God bless you, BibleLover, and thank you for sharing a topic none of us can ever master.

Bob