Agreed!
We can all talk and teach because words are cheep!
It is another story however when it is YOU or your family who is damaged that we struggle to forgive the one who did the damage.
Why is Forgiveness Difficult?
- Thread starter bobinfaith
- Start date
Agreed!
We can all talk and teach because words are cheep!
It is another story however when it is YOU or your family who is damaged that we struggle to forgive the one who did the damage.
Whenever someone who is close to us betrays our trust, forgiveness is the hardest. Looking to the example of Joseph provides an outstanding story of mercy and this story provides insight into how we should view this matter. Strict justice would have demanded that Joseph punish those who had sold him into slavery. In contrast, sentiment could have moved him simply to overlook their transgression. Joseph did neither. Instead, he tested his half brothers’ repentance. Then, when he saw that their sorrow was genuine, he forgave them.
Likewise, when someone who has sinned against us displays a genuine change of heart, we should forgive them. Of course, we should never let mere sentiment blind us to gross wrongdoing. On the other hand, we should not let feelings of resentment blind us to acts of genuine repentance. So let us “continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely. (Colossians 3:13).
Likewise, when someone who has sinned against us displays a genuine change of heart, we should forgive them. Of course, we should never let mere sentiment blind us to gross wrongdoing. On the other hand, we should not let feelings of resentment blind us to acts of genuine repentance. So let us “continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely. (Colossians 3:13).
There is one unforgiveable sin though, not forgiven in this life or the next.
Possibly in certain churches that may happen..when people blaspheme the Holy Spirit. They would need to be truly evil to do that though, but even in the early church there were wolves in sheep's clothing trying to infiltrate churches to destroy them.
Anaias and Saphirra died on the spot for lying to the Holy Spirit. I think it was Gods mercy they died otherwise they would have continued on to abuse the church and take advantage.
I had heard that in catholicsm child abusing priests would be protected, as they had the ear of church authorities whereas the testimony of children who were abused was completely ignored. They were just moved around from parish to parish and continued to abuse. That to me, is not the way to deal with it.
Possibly in certain churches that may happen..when people blaspheme the Holy Spirit. They would need to be truly evil to do that though, but even in the early church there were wolves in sheep's clothing trying to infiltrate churches to destroy them.
Anaias and Saphirra died on the spot for lying to the Holy Spirit. I think it was Gods mercy they died otherwise they would have continued on to abuse the church and take advantage.
I had heard that in catholicsm child abusing priests would be protected, as they had the ear of church authorities whereas the testimony of children who were abused was completely ignored. They were just moved around from parish to parish and continued to abuse. That to me, is not the way to deal with it.
Forgiveness is tough indeed, i had a big problem with this, and had an impulsive anger. I am a new man, and forgiveness is easier for me because i renew my mind and heart each day.