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197

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)

[–] 3 pts

I struggle so much with " Bless those that persecute you " , can't quite pull that off.

I want those trying to ethnically cleanse my people to face firing squads.

Not sure what to do with that

[–] 2 pts (edited )

Well, a thirst for justice is not wrong, per se. He’s also a God of justice, afterall.

But there is a fine line between justice and revenge.

Also, it’s good to pray for your persecutors. Pray that their eyes are opened. I try to remember the apostle Paul’s past and realize that even a guy like that can have his eyes opened. And look at the result? All those New Testament books, teaching in spiritual warfare, etc. All a result of an evil man turned good.

[–] 0 pt

The prayer of a righteous man availeth much. It's a spiritual battle , for sure

[–] 0 pt

"Bless those that persecute you" means to "give peace a chance," as the Beatles put it. But after you have done that, and your enemies are still trying to murder you, it's time to take up the righteous sword. In the book Revelation the returned Christ is carrying a sword. He's not going to use it to make people into knights. There comes a time, even for the most devout Christian, when violence is necessary. Deus vult!