THE BIBLE AND LIFE (To Return, Click "THE BIBLE AND LIFE")

ORGIVENESS - #11

Written by Johanna S. Hobrath

What is your reaction when the word "Forgiveness" is to be defined?

 

My dictionary tells me that to forgive is, "To grant pardon for or remission of something--to show forgiveness; grant pardon."

 

Matthew Chapter 6, Verses 9 to 12 tells us about the Lord's Prayer.  Verse 12 states, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."  Also, Verses 14 and 15 tell us:  "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

 

You may say, "Johanna, you do not understand my circumstances."  That statement may be true.

 

One of my manuscripts has an excellent analogy.  The analogy reads as follows: 

The Analogy:  If another person accidentally steps on your toes, you may say, "ouch!"  If that person -- time and time again -- steps on your toes, your toes may get very sore, and you may finally avoid that person or take action so that the person no longer continues to unjustly hurt your toes.  According to God's Word, forgiveness for that unjust act by that person must come from you; however, wisdom will dictate that such a cruel act be stopped; and, the person with the sore toes may use various methods to stop such an aggression. 

Recently (September 28, 2001), I and my husband attended an excellent teaching on the subject of "Forgiveness."

 

Also, the subject about the current destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center was discussed.  Does "Forgiveness" extend to people that cause such an enormous destruction?  Scripture tells us that we also pray for our enemies.  Matthew 5:44 tells us "... pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

 

While the discussion about "Forgiveness" continued, I searched for the appropriate Scripture Verses.  When I had the opportunity to speak, I stated, "I, personally, believe that God instituted authority; and I will read Scripture Verses that back up such a claim."

I Timothy 2:1,2,3 states . . . 

 

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;

 

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

While I and my husband drove home that evening, a thought came to my mind and I stated, "...I believe when someone hurts you, you forgive them and, then, turn the situation over to God!"

 

 

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