Some people feel that God will never forgive their sins. They may even feel that God would never want them because of what they have done In the past. This though is not the way of God's thinking when it comes to forgiveness. David the Psalmist knew this when he stated this at Psalm 130:3 "If errors were what you watch, O Jah, O Jehovah, who could stand?" Yes God does forgive us of past errors and even if we should make a mistake and sin again, God will forgive us if we are truly sorry for that sin. We ask God to forgive us and try to not continue in the same course.

Jesus showed us how important it is to forgive. Notice. Matthew 9:11-13 " But on seeing this the Pharisees began to say to his disciples: "Why is it that YOUR teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 Hearing [them], he said: "Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. 13 Go, then, and learn what this means, I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners."

Remember the parable that Jesus gave about the prodigal son? This should show us the importance of forgiveness. There was a father with two sons. The younger son wanted his inheritance and so he asked his father for it. His father gave the younger son his inheritance and so the younger son took his inheritance and went off and squandered his inheritance by living a debauched and sinful life. When he finally came to his senses, he repented and humbly returned home to his father, who, did not reject him but welcomed him with open arms. Luke 15:11-32.

Jesus' parables has some lessons for us today. What are they? One lesson I truly appreciate is that just as this father welcomed his son back after he went off and sinned, so too our Heavenly Father welcomes us back when we make mistakes and fall into sin. In reading that account we also learn that the son had to humble himself and show he made a mistake in order to have his father welcome him home and even throw a big feast for his returning son. So to we are welcomed home. Yes, God opens his loving and merciful arms to any of us who will humble themselves and ask for forgiveness. We have the scriptures as proof of God's forgiveness of our sins if we repent.
Luke 15:7 "I tell YOU that thus there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance."
(Jesus taught his disciples to pray for forgiveness when he gave the sermon on the Mount).

Matthew 6:12 "and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

Matthew 5:7 "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy."
Ephesians 1:7 "By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one, yes, the forgiveness of [our] trespasses, according to the riches of his undeserved kindness."

(Some may say though, "I am always forgiving them!" And so you should forgive many times over).

Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came up and said to him: "Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him: "I say to you, not, Up to seven times, but, Up to seventy-seven times."
Wow, now that is a lot of forgiving and yet if we do not forgive other, God can not forgive us.

Matthew 18:35 "In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with YOU if YOU do not forgive each one his brother from YOUR hearts."

Ephesians 4:32 "But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave YOU.
Yes friends our forgiveness shows God we love him and our neighbors. We can have empathy, compassion and forgiveness for others. Remember that if we forgive others, God will forgive us and show us mercy but most of all, if God can forgive us our bad ways, who are we not to forgive others?


Comments?

Take care,
Hope12

Choux

Hope, All human beings are imperfect, and that is reality. Adults are half pain in the rear end and just average. Occasionally, some people dedicate themselves to an endeavor and become experts in their subject or sport or craft, but as people-just human beings.

Christianity was supposed to be about love and being saved NOT BY THE LAW(OBEYING RULES)but by having a loving spirit. For those who understand Christianity, the highest ideal is to be like Jesus--loving and understanding and non-judgmental and non-punitive of mind.

Apparently, this high ideal is very difficult to attain! Or, it is too difficult!

inthebox

Agree :

Psalm 51





Grace and Peace

Starman

I agree that repentance is often very relevant to forgiveness in Jehovah's eyes. However, the basis for forgiveness, Jesus' Ransom Sacrifice covers those who sin by ignorance as well. Those unable to reason logically, mentally deficient or incapacitated in some way. Those who by no choice of their own have been culturally programmed to reject truth. Those whose character flaws are hormonally determined. As well as many other factors which humans have been victimized by because of being born in sin and in a sinful environment designed to force them into the wrong path.

Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. ESV

Jesushelper76

I agree, forgiveness is very important.

My question is with forgiveness do you have to forget as well. Or is the only way to forgive is to forget as well? Or can you forgive completely but never forget? Oh, as you can see I have so many questions.

Hope nice to see you again.

Joe

Starman

If by "completely" you mean perfectlly, then the answer is probably no since at this stage we remain imperfct creatures. However, God views our imperfect efforts to forgive as perfect based on Jesus Ransom Sacrifice. So there really isn't any cause for us to worry on whether we are 100% in the forgiveness area. The main thing is to try our best and have unshakable faith that the Ransom Sacrifice for our sins makes our efforts sufficient for God's approval.

BTW

There is resentful recollection, compassionate or forgiving recollection, and neutral recollection of events we once considered offensive.