What are some false substitutes for forgiving?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 1, p. 71
In our human interactions, it is common to hear the phrase, “I won’t forgive you until you deserve it or earn it.” While this sentiment may resonate with our sense of justice, it contrasts sharply with the biblical concept of forgiveness. According to the Scriptures, God’s forgiveness is not contingent upon our merit or efforts, but rather, it is a gift of grace. This profound truth is illuminated in Romans 6:23b, Romans 5:15, and Ephesians 2:8-9.
Romans 6:23b states, "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse underscores the nature of God's forgiveness as a free gift. Eternal life, which encompasses forgiveness, is not something we can earn through our deeds or deserve due to our efforts. It is given freely by God through Jesus Christ. This gift of grace stands in stark contrast to the human tendency to impose conditions on forgiveness.
Similarly, Romans 5:15 reflects on the abundance of God's grace: "But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many." This passage highlights the overflowing nature of God's grace, which surpasses the trespasses of humanity. God's forgiveness, exemplified through Jesus Christ, is generously bestowed upon us, regardless of our worthiness.
Ephesians 2:8-9 further highlights this concept: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." These verses reinforce that salvation and forgiveness are gifts from God, bestowed through faith and not through our works or merits. This divine grace nullifies the idea that one must earn forgiveness; it is freely given, so none can boast of their deservingness.
The notion of conditional forgiveness, encapsulated in the phrase “I won’t forgive you until you deserve it or earn it,” is a false substitute for God’s forgiveness. The Scriptures clearly teach that God's forgiveness is a free gift, rooted in His grace and given through Jesus Christ. These passages collectively reveal the unconditional nature of God's forgiveness, which transcends human standards and exemplifies the boundless love of God.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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