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What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/17/2008 7:32:25 PM
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Lyndell
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I was wondering what the biblical view on forgiveness? I was talking to my brother and he said "isn't it enough to forgive in your heart" instead of going to the person? We disagreed on the subject, I think you need to ask for forgiveness in person...when possible
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 8:24:17 AM
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mvic
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When Jesus was asked how many times we should forgive He replied "seventy times seven" meaning as many times as possible. When He taught us to pray, the only condition He placed related to forgiveness: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned aginst us".
From these two instances we learn that we should forgive as many times as possible if we are in turn to receive forgiveness from Him.
You ask whether we should forgive directly a person rather than in the heart. If the person who wronged you asks for forgiveness then the answer is YES - forgive him there and then.
But what if the person doesn't ask for forgiveness, or the person has moved away (say to another town), or the person doesn't even know or care that he hurt you. What then?
The answer is to imagine: what if that person was here right now and asked for forgiveness. Would I forgive him? Your answer should then be a truthful YES. That's forgiveness in the heart. Forgiveness in the absence of a request for forgiveness. It is the hardest forgiveness; but it will bring you peace and will help you move on to better things.
Forgiveness is probably the most difficult thing Christ asked us to do. Many years later, there are plenty who still cannot practice it. They bear a grudge and in doing so block any chance of a relationship with God.
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 9:32:38 AM
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iamjc-s
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Lyndell
I was wondering what the biblical view on forgiveness? I was talking to my brother and he said "isn't it enough to forgive in your heart" instead of going to the person? We disagreed on the subject, I think you need to ask for forgiveness in person...when possible
If forgiving wrong done to you:
Forgiving in your heart absolves you, but does NOT remove any guilt the other person may have nor does it provide a good witness for Christ.
Thus, when possible state your forgiveness in person, 1-on-1, NOT in a group.
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 5:52:45 PM
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tiffywal
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If you have the opportunity to talk with the person in the situation yes go to them seek foregiveness or forgive that person. Whatever the situation my be. If you can't talk with that person, pray to God and release that person as well as any feels that are not og God.
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 6:04:41 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
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I think it depends on the situation but I do think that by asking the person wronged for forgiveness shows a real testimony and a witness to them. It shows them that you are human and a Christian that understands the importance of forgiveness. It also shows that they are important enough to you to humble yourself in front of them. It also takes guts.
If the situation is reversed and they have offended you then approaching them and letting them off the hook so to say is important. It can mend fences with someone not used to asking for forgiveness in a formal manner. Letting someone know that you value them more than any grudge can also be a great witness. It shows you care more for them as a person and don't judge on actions alone.
Is it required? I'm not sure but it says a whole lot more to our witness of Jesus.
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 6:05:13 PM
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TJStarfire
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quote:
Lyndell
I think you need to ask for forgiveness in person...when possible
If we are seeking forgiveness then asking for it from the one we wronged is the best way.
As for forgiving others it is best not to hold anything we view as trespasses against anyone.
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 7:24:37 PM
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crh737
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As Christians we are committed to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. As stated we are to forgive several time to our debtors. A good example is how we receive mercy when we forgive. When the slave owed the "king" an astronomical amount and after he pleaded with the "king" he was forgiven his debt.
However when this same slave went to his slave for payment, he was unmerciful towards him and wanted repayment immediately. When the "king" heard of his unmerciful ways, he had the slave arrested and put in jail until his debt was paid in full.
Well your debt was paid in full through Jesus Christ who has bestowed mercy upon you, so therefore it is right for you to forgive your debtor.
If the Lord put's it upon your heart that you go in person to forgive one, however if a person owes you a forgiveness it is wrong for you to seek it from them.
CRH
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 7:44:57 PM
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Dakotasunbeam
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Lyndell
The Bible admonishes us to forgive so that we may be forgiven. God says if we do not forgive our brother from the heart, neither will He forgive us. We are to forgive seventy times seven--as much as necessary. But your question was whether or not we need to go to that person and ask or give forgiveness. Well, Here's what scripture I could find on the matter.
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. --Matthew 5:23-24
You see God's hope for mankind is not just forgiveness but reconcilliation. Jesus Christ's ministry is known as the ministry of reconcilliation. God forebares all of the evil in the world so that every last individual might have the opportunity to reconcile with Him. It's not just to forgive, but to reconcile. Yes, Go to your brother.
Bless you! I hope that helps 
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RE: What is the biblical view on forgiveness? - 4/18/2008 7:58:08 PM
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mvic
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Let me tell you a sad story about forgiveness - or the lack of it.
An elderly man I know is in his 80's and dying of cancer. Sometime ago he had a major disagreement with his son - I don't know what it is about. Neither of them can bring themselves to talk to each other.
Even now that the father is dying his son has not visited him. And the father does not want a visit from his son either.
Life is too short. If you have to forgive someone do it now before it is too late. If you need forgiveness seek it now.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
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