Do we have to forgive others?

Chuck7 · 07-23-2005, 03:25 PM

I have noticed a certain pattern. We had a pastor take over a Methodist church once. He told me he could do interesting things if he wanted to , to that church. By the time he was done the church sure enough had a terrific split. I yelled at him once. I went seeeking forgiveness. He said," I may ,and then I may not I'll think about it. "His background Baptist.

2. On this Hunting .Net it seems everyone eventually messes up in their words. In the last 6 months I have PMed folks asking forgiveness. All have graciously forgave me so far except for two.. Both..were Baptist.

I thought in order for us to be forgiven that we had to forgive others. How often ? 70 x s 7 per day. I am perplexed at the attitude that you don't have to forgive. Remember what happened to the man in Matthew 18 who chose not to forgive.....

32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

Folks ,
None of us are perfect. This is why we must forgive so that we can be forgiven. Sorry ......but another one of those works.
Brother Chuck

PS I'm wondering if this careless dealing with forgiveness is a by product of the " I'm Saved NO Matter what attitude ? "

MOTOWNHONKEY · 07-23-2005, 04:02 PM

I don't think there is an option to forgive or not. I think one must forgive in order to receive it. What if like someone killed a love one of yours and then later begged forgivness, man that would be tough. Brother chuck ther is a hint of sarcasium in your post that don,t seem to fit your spirit. I hope all is well with you.

Chuck7 · 07-23-2005, 04:22 PM

Chris,
Please copy and paste me the hint of sarcasm.
Thanks for giving me an option of explaining myself.
Chuck

Chuck7 · 07-23-2005, 04:37 PM

PS I'm wondering if this careless dealing with forgiveness is a by product of the " I'm Saved NO Matter what attitude ? "
Chris ,is this the sarcastic part? Although sarcastic this is one thing that I have a real problem with, Matthew 18 says if you have ought to go one on one. If they won't hear it take it before two. That's kind of hard here . So I made a post. I really do believe in essense that is what that doctrine says. I have never seen in my 30 years any other denonmination that takes forgiveness that way. I do believe in love Chris but this is one doctrine that I have personally experienced that brings some very fleshly attitudes. I think ...attitudes that need to be exposed. We all have doctrines that bother us...This happens to be the one that bothers me.

Love ya ,
Chuck

MOTOWNHONKEY · 07-23-2005, 06:00 PM

I see Chuck and thanks for teaching me how to spell sarcasm. In the post I have read on here by you I always notice you to be the peace maker and blessed are you. Now that I know your intentions are to seek forgiviness by bringing the matter before two, I see you are up to your usual peace making. God bless Chuck sometimes it is hard to interpet ones meanings like they want them to on forums like this. Peace.

Chuck7 · 07-23-2005, 06:15 PM

I really do believe love is the only walk. However Chris; if I sincerely believe a doctrine is false it is not very loving for me to sit back and keep my mouth shut. This particuliar doctrine effects the believer in every aspect of his and her lives. I know I probably have stirred some bad feelings and I plan to be in prayer about that. It is very tough....walking in love and exposing what a believer feels to be false and harmful doctrine. I trust God will get me through this one. Some false doctrines are an individual thing. To me that is between him and his God. This one does not fit into that category or I would have left it alone. Thanks for trying to understand me Chris.
I really do appreciate that.
Brother Chuck

Rebel Hog · 07-24-2005, 05:06 PM

We can forgive, but we as Baptist don't have to forget!

Leafrivermac · 07-24-2005, 05:32 PM

Well, as far as forgivness goes, I try to forgive and let things go as soon as possible. It took me a long time to quit the eye for an eye thing. I want to be forgiven as I forgive others . . .plus carrying around resentment does more damage to the holder of it than it does to the object of it. I can honestly say that I hold no hard feelings toward no man or woman. Nothing anyone has ever done to me is worth sullying my spirit with resentment or being an unforgiver before my Lord.

gman1969 · 07-24-2005, 05:40 PM

Hi Chuck,

I also believe we should forgive those who trespass against us. We should forgive because we have been forgiven much! It is very hypocritical on our part to hold a grudge when the Lord has forgiven us so much in Christ. I myself struggle with this at times to be honest with you. Our fallen nature is so prideful. But if the Holy Spirit is genuinely in us, then He will keep us in check. And I thank God for every time He has corrected me.

Quote:

PS I'm wondering if this careless dealing with forgiveness is a by product of the " I'm Saved NO Matter what attitude ?

As I said, I would say that unforgiveness has more to do with pride. When you go deeper than any given doctrine, that ugly beast named pride rears its ugly head every time.

Personally, I believe in the perseverance of the saints and eternal security. But I do not buy into antinomianism one bit. I do not believe my assurance in Christ is a license to sin or do what I want to because "I'm under grace now". Anyone that truly believes that way needs to really check their heart.

If one is truly born again and a new creation in Christ, regenerate with new desires and new affections, they won't live such a cavalier flippant life in regards to sin. For to them, "to live is Christ!" Now we don't obey simply because we have to (though we are called as Christians to just that), we obey because we want to! A huge difference there. A total rebirth and change of heart has taken place by the sovereign grace of God. And God's work is not without effect.

For myself, the assurance I have in Christ compels me all the more to live a life worthy of His holy name, not the opposite!

The Rev · 07-24-2005, 05:48 PM

Good answer Bro. Gman. Forgiveness is hard, but if we are to forgive as He forgave us, I think we should also forget. I surely don't want Him remembering all He has forgiven me for.