Reasons to forgive others

[arunangelo]

There are four reasons why we have to forgive others unceasingly (Matt. 18:21-35). The first reason is that Jesus took the punishment of the sins of all human beings upon Himself by dying on the cross (Matt. 26:28). He therefore, fulfilled, the requirement of the law, which is to pay the price for our offenses. The second reason is that we are created to love and love (who is God) is always forgiving. The third reason is that, we our selves are sinners. How then can we point a finger at another person? This is well illustrated in the incidence when her accusers brought a woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11) to Jesus before they were going to stone her to death. Jesus told to her accusers, that the one without sin should throw the first stone. None of them were without sin. They therefore, walked away. The fourth reason is that God (who is infinite) has forgiven us of all our grave offenses we have committed against Him; we therefore, have to forgive our fellow human beings of their offenses. This reason is illustrated in the story of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-34) whose master forgave him of a very large sum of money. He in turn however, did not forgive his fellow worker of a much smaller sum. This of course did not go well with the master who then severely punished the servant.

 

[awalt]

One of the things I learned in this Lenten season applies to this question. I never really completely grasped how Jesus “riased the bar” on how we treat our neighbor, because I always thought this was an original commandment. Reading the Bible carefully, makes this clear:

Old Testament - “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Gal 5:14)

Jesus first time - “Love your neighbor as you would love me” (Mt 25:40)

Jesus second time - “Love your neighbor as I love you” (John 15:12)

 

[psalm90]

There are indeed scriptural and even practical reasons for forgiving others. Sadly, we don’t get much practice in this Christian virtue. It’s hard for us to forgive the guy who shot the judge two weeks ago in Atlanta or for the sex offender in Florida who kidnapped, raped, and killed the 9-year-old girl.

In or around Milwaukee, there was an orthodox Jewish man who’s son had been killed by Jeffrey Dahmer. He told the Chicago tribune in a feature article why he did not condemn Dahmer, because, he said, vengeance belong to God. The Pope forgave his assassin, and even went to the jail to meet him. I don’t even understand that, except to tell the man personnally that he forgave him.

The scriptural reasons are things that should begin to teach us, but one of the best teachers is ourselves, when we truthfully acknowledge our own guilt. Spend some time accusing yourself, instead of always mentally defending and excusing yourself. Do whatever it takes to learn from Jesus.

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The Laci Peterson family who spoke at Scott Peterson’s sentencing hearing were very venemous and hateful. While I think they had a right to say the things they did, they would have given some tremendous Christian testimony, considering all the publicity there was at that moment.

 

[stbruno]

Another person who is to be greatly admired for his ability to forgive is Bud Welch, the father of one of the victims of the Oklahoma City terrorist bombings nearly 10 years ago. He is publicly speaking out with the bishops to ban capital punishment. He forgave Timothy McVeigh and has even visited with McVeigh’s family to express the same. Through forgiveness, he has been freed of hate…and he has placed his life at the mercy of God. A lesson more of us need to embrace.