What are some false substitutes for forgiving?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 1, p. 71
The concept of punishing - deserving my judgment and condemnation is often thought of as a means to enforce justice and righteousness. We often respond this way to someone's apology or confession. However, according to the Scriptures, this notion stands in stark contrast to the God's forgiveness. In Luke 6:36-37, Jesus clearly states, "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven." These verses emphasize the importance of mercy and forgiveness over judgment and condemnation.
Romans 2:1 reiterates this by warning, "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things." This passage highlights the hypocrisy inherent in judgment, illustrating that one who judges others is themselves not beyond reproach.
In James 4:11-12, the apostle James cautions against speaking evil of others and judging them. He writes, "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" James calls believers to recognize the sovereignty of God as the ultimate judge, urging them to relinquish their self-imposed roles of judgment.
Romans 12:14 further encourages believers to "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." Additionally, Romans 12:17-21 advises, "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all... Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." These verses collectively advocate for forgiveness and kindness over retaliation and condemnation.
In light of these teachings, forgiveness is proclaimed as the true path to righteousness. Romans 8:1 confirms, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This profound declaration affirms that in Christ, forgiveness reigns supreme over judgment, offering believers a testament to God's unconditional love and mercy.
Through these Scriptures, it becomes evident that "punishing - deserving my judgment and condemnation" is a false substitute for God's forgiveness, which calls for mercy, humility, and love towards one another.
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