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Liveloved -> RE: Christians ask forgiveness, "Heathens" say I'm sorry (8/13/2008 4:55:48 PM)
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quote:
Sometimes, I wonder how much modern psychology has so changed our theology so that we don't even recognize that what we are saying is not Scriptural. I don't write this to put anyone down, especially since I must admit that I have also believed that the act of forgiveness frees the forgiver, so it is "for us." My problem with that idea is that it is a throw-back to the me, me, me. It is selfish.
I forgive you for myself. There, I feel better. Now, I can proceed in health. Now, I am free.
Have we swallowed a selfish lie? I think we have.
Messiah, our example who said "do as I do," cries out on the cross, "Father! Forgive them! They don't realize what they are doing! (There, now I feel better. I can proceed in peace. I am free.)"
Certainly, G-d forgives for His Name's sake, but look at that: His Name is what brings health to His people -- He who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."
When we have the attitude of forgiving for our own sake, are we not trying to be little gods? Making ourselves the most important ones in the forgiving process?
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This Scriptures doesn't have a trace of the same selfishness in it. It is the act of a humble heart, the act of giving place to another.
I think we have been duped into thinking forgiving is for us, when that is just not G-d's way of doing things.
You are absolutely right! Yes, forgiveness has been turned around (as have most things in the world today) and it has become for our comfort, so we feel good.
We are NOT to hold bitterness in our hearts. But forgiveness must be RECEIVED to be ACHIEVED and it is only RECEIVED following an admission of wrongdoing and repentance. That is why God has a condition on it. Man must repent to receive the forgiveness freely offered.
URForgiven's example of the Amish families in PA was a beautiful testimony of Christ's love in the midst of great tragedy. But we do the world a great disservice when we run to them saying 'I forgive you' when they have not confessed their wrongdoing. Surely we can love them, be kind to them and treat them with grace and mercy but there is no forgiveness apart from repentance. Just as the prophet cried about a superficial peace, I think we need to be crying about this superficial (make me feel good) forgiveness.
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