The unforgiving heart

We have all sinned (violated the laws of God), and are therefore worthy of death (Romans 3:23 and 6:23). Christ assumed the penalty for us when we repent and ask for forgiveness (Acts 2:38; Matthew 6:12). Without forgiveness, we cannot enter into eternal life.

We are to extend forgiveness to others.

God offers us release from the consequences of violating His laws, which is death. In return, He instructs us to extend that same benevolence to our neighbor: "... love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Proverbs 19:11 tells us it is to our “glory to overlook a transgression.” This attitude is diametrically opposed to the human proclivity to seek revenge when we, or our loved ones, have been hurt.

The clear message from God is that we are not to take revenge. God sees all and knows all, and it is His responsibility to avenge wrong deeds : "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19). We are to do the opposite of seeking revenge and, with God’s help, return good for evil: "Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing" (I Peter 3:9).

Many wonder if an individual needs to express sorrow or attempt to reconcile with us before we forgive him or her. The Bible is clear about this. Even if the person who has offended you does not repent of their offence toward you, you are still obligated to love and treat him or her well. Their failure to repent is an issue between them and God. We are not to hold grudges, seek revenge or speak evil of those who have offended us. Instead we are to extend our love and goodwill.

There are at least two biblical examples of individuals who sought God's forgiveness for others, even when repentance from the offenders was not yet present. Stephen, while being unjustly stoned, asked God not to charge his accusers and murderers with this sin (Acts 7:60). While Christ, during His crucifixion, made the following statement: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Proverbs 24:17 also instructs us not to rejoice when our enemy experiences misfortune, and Proverbs 25:21 states if our enemy is in need, we should provide those needs. This type of response to evil will invariably produce good and verse 22 states the "Lord will reward you" for this action. If we do not forgive others, then our own forgiveness is in jeopardy: "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:15).

The ultimate example of forgiveness was Christ's on the cross. He was asking for each one of us to be forgiven because each of us played a part in His death. Jesus Christ has forgiven us for our part in His physical abuse and death, should we not forgive the trespasses of others?

• Source:

  United News (Dec 2015)

• https://www.ucg.org/members/united-news/united-news-december-2004/unforgiving-heart-and-its-role-human-suffering

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