the bible on forgiveness

Chris Brauns provides a simple yet thorough outline regarding what the Bible teaches about forgiveness:

• The most basic principle is that christians should forgive others as God forgave them (Mt 6.12; 7.2; Eph 4.32)
• Christians should have an attitude or disposition of grace toward all people even as God offers forgiveness to all who receive it. God does not forgive all people, but he does offer grace and forgiveness to all (Jn 1.12; 3.116; Eph 2.8-9).
• Chrtstians must be willing to forgive all who ask for forgiveness (Luke 17.3-4). Remember: whatever anyone has done to offend you will always pale in comparison to what you have done to offend God.
• Christians can conquer bitterness by trusting in the justice and providence of God. God is just. Vengeance belongs to him. He will repay. God providentially works all things together for good for those who know him. This includes the acts of people who intend to harm us. You are not ultimately a victim (Romans 12:19; 8:28; Genesis 45:5-7)
• Never excuse bitterness or an unwillingness to forgive. Those unable or unwilling to forgive should question their salvation. Read this sentence aloud: Saying "1 cannot or ivili not forgive " is another way of saying "I am thinking about going to hell" (See Matthew 6:14-1S; 18:21-35).

On the second point above, this is a refreshing truth compared to the confusing and unhelpful worldview gaining popularity today. Many want to claim that forgiveness was granted to all at the Cross. This error is gaining ground today because people are grasping at ways to avoid the doctrines of hell and the atonement. This is not only untrue and an effort to conform the God of the Bible into our own image but it simply does not lead toward health. A proper understanding (not abuse) of these truths are freeing.

I recently had some folks cut off interaction with me. They said I was forgiven but they were not interested in any kind of reconciliation. I've been thinking about that a lot and I think they have absolutely missed the truth of forgiveness and God's way of forgiving. Repentance is required, and it is required so that reconciliation can begin. At the same time, while unlike God we cannot in an absolute sense penetrate the heart of another to change it, we can through grace and love approach that. Therefore we must show up always willing to forgive, demonstrating radical kindness and love, but reserving forgiveness for repentance. These guys missed that. They knew they should forgive but used those words in an empty way, a mere verbal formality since nothing relationally is resolved and in fact their hearts are filled with anger and bitterness.

It saddens me because I think this pain in the world is on the increase as folks popularize the move away from atonement, hell, etc...

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