THE NATURE OF FORGIVENESS

I personally consider the new covenant to have been ratified with the death, burial, resurrection and seating in heaven of Jesus Christ.

Prior to this event the law was still in effect and people were judged by it. Much of what Jesus taught was conditioned by this fact, for he himself was subject to the ordinances contained in the law.

The words of Jesus must not be taken lightly, but must be understood as to application within the prevailing covenant. Some of what Jesus said was spoken of as already accomplished, but it still was a future occurrence.

Literal obedience to some of the statements Christ made will leave you somewhat Masochistic, Matt.5:38-42 being a case in point.

I have been reading a Christian magazine with several articles on forgiveness relating to various scenarios. One was a case of infidelity on the part of a minister’s wife. Another was a case of murder, and other events that demanded forgiveness on the part of the offended one.

It is expected by some writers that when a person becomes a Christian he automatically, and mystically becomes someone who is expected to receive abuse, and say thank you for it. When confronted with this they will do their tap dance around what they believe and deny it. They quote the condemning scriptures such as Matt.6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Then they will try to make an application to show in order to be saved we must forgive any and everything others can do to us. If we accept this it will make our salvation based upon what we do instead of what Christ did on the cross.

What is the nature of forgiveness on this side of the cross? It is situation and circumstantially controlled. There is no “one size fits all” forgiveness.

Forgiveness can never restore that which is hurt and destroyed but is always a part of the equation and needs to be address for your own sake. No rebuilding (if desired) can proceed until forgiveness (the real deal) is in place. We must see hurt for what it is; an emotional issue. As long as the hurt is there, forgiveness can only be partial.

What I get from the teachings of Christ is that our human responses to evil treatment must be tempered by understanding our own inadequacies and when offended know there will be no peace for me until I can forgive the offender. My peace will be in relationship to my forgiveness.” Gandhi was right: if we all lived by 'an eye for an eye' the whole world will be blind. The only way out is forgiveness." Check out these quotes they are the best;

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