I’ve wrestled with this for a while, just want to see what you guys think.
We’re commanded to forgive as God has forgiven. Ok, fair enough. Seems a simple concept at face value.
But when you really dig in, what does that mean?
Most Christians say that forgiveness is something you do, regardless of whether the offending party confesses, apologizes, or repents.
But then look at how God operates. He requires confession and repentance for forgiveness. Neither is optional.
So then, God holds us to a higher standard than even himself in this regard?
That doesn’t seem logical or reasonable to me. But hey, perhaps I’m wrong. I’m just thinking nakedly here.
I’ve also heard a pastor say that forgiving someone - regardless of a confession or apology - allows God to take up your case. The analogy being that in a court of law, it’s better to let the judge take up the case than to take it up yourself. Ok, I can see the logic in that, too.
But I’m still flummoxed by the idea that we are held to a higher standard than God holds for himself. Again, he requires confession and repentance for forgiveness.
I’ve wrestled with this for a while, just want to see what you guys think.
We’re commanded to forgive as God has forgiven. Ok, fair enough. Seems a simple concept at face value.
But when you really dig in, what does that mean?
Most Christians say that forgiveness is something you do, regardless of whether the offending party confesses, apologizes, or repents.
But then look at how God operates. He *requires* confession and repentance for forgiveness. Neither is optional.
So then, God holds us to a higher standard than even himself in this regard?
That doesn’t seem logical or reasonable to me. But hey, perhaps I’m wrong. I’m just thinking nakedly here.
I’ve also heard a pastor say that forgiving someone - regardless of a confession or apology - allows God to take up your case. The analogy being that in a court of law, it’s better to let the judge take up the case than to take it up yourself. Ok, I can see the logic in that, too.
But I’m still flummoxed by the idea that we are held to a higher standard than God holds for himself. Again, he *requires* confession and repentance for forgiveness.
(post is archived)