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Forgiveness

Article by John O. Reid

Forgiveness is a vital characteristic we must embody to become true children of God in His Kingdom. God has prepared positions of teaching and authority for us, and with such power comes the necessity of a heart ready to forgive and forget mistakes. In this world, an unwillingness to extend forgiveness often fuels conflict, evident in historical rivalries and personal disputes that escalate to violence or division. God does not take a hardhearted lack of forgiveness lightly, and it could jeopardize our salvation. Jesus teaches that our forgiveness from God is tied to the forgiveness we offer others; if we refuse to forgive, we cannot expect to receive God's mercy and love. We must forgive others even if they do not seek it, treating them with kindness, harboring no grudges, and being ready to do good to them when the opportunity arises. This approach produces peace and sets a righteous example for all. Jesus emphasizes the boundless nature of forgiveness, instructing that we should not limit it to a specific number of times but extend it as often as someone offends us and seeks pardon. Even without a request for forgiveness, we are to forgive and act properly toward the offender. In illustrating this, Jesus shares the story of a servant forgiven a massive debt by a compassionate king, only to refuse mercy to another who owed him a trivial amount. This parable underscores the importance of being forgiving, as we owe God a debt far beyond repayment, and He expects us to mirror His compassion. Forgiveness, though challenging to human nature, is essential for promoting love, harmony, and peace among all of God's people.

Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus teaches us how to deal with offenses and sins against us in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.

Forgiveness and the Unpardonable Sin

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

Forgiveness is difficult, but the willing failure to forgive, along with any other unrepented sin, has the potential of permanently separating us from God.

Sins in the Balance (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Bible is full of commands to forgive and examples of forgiveness, and none of them stipulates that we wait for the sinner to repent before we forgive.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.

Conduct of the New Life

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Driving out the evil must be followed by cultivating goodness and righteousness. An antidote to depression is to get our hearts focused on someone else.

Mercy: The Better Option

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

It is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Ten)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our obligation toward God mandates that we love our fellow human beings, even individuals who have severely wronged us.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Meekness

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Meekness is often confused with weakness and considered to be undesirable. But Jesus lists it as a primary virtue of one who will inherit His Kingdom.

Confessions of a Finger-Pointer

'Ready Answer' by Staff

During times of unrest and confusion, it is easy to blame others for our problems. Yet finger-pointing is contrary to everything God teaches.