Why is Christ so intent on the subject of forgiveness?
Because forgiveness can change your past, your present, and your future.
Asking for forgiveness
Matthew 5:23-24
Recognize
If you are presenting your offering, and there remember your brother has something against you …
Run
leave your offering there and go your way.
Reconcile
First be reconciled to your brother …
Return
and then come and present your offering.
Seeking to forgive
Luke 17:3-4
Confrontation is needed
Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him …
Forgiveness ends revenge
and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.
What?
When someone wrongs you, then you are to forgive even though that person may not admit it was wrong or ask your forgiveness.
So What?
Forgiveness does not imply total freedom from negative scenarios. Understand that granting forgiveness and praying and hoping for justice are not incompatible.
Now What?
When you have been wronged by someone, your concern should be that person’s relationship with God and how it impacts your relationship with God.
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