Thanks for taking the time to read this. We were discussing in class the other day about forgiveness and the teacher said that we should forgive a person even if he hasn’t asked for it. I had a hard time with that and wonder if you could help me understand that. I read that God forgives only on condition that we repent. If that being so, does God want me to forgive without repentance? I know that as Christians we not only should but must be in the spirit of forgiveness whenever it presents itself. That I believe, but the other I can’t get resolved. Can you help? Thanks Al Lawson
Your understanding of the relationship of forgiveness to repentance accurately represents what the New Testament reveals. We cannot be more forgiving than is God, and we cannot forgive others on a basis other than what God is willing to extend forgiveness. Yet, we must maintain the attitude of a willingness to forgive those who repent.
The Apostle Peter thought he was being more than generous to those who might sin against him when he suggested perhaps forgiving one on seven occasions. However, Jesus indicated that there is no limit to how many times we ought to forgive those who sin against us. Essentially, then, we are supposed to always possess the spirit of forgiveness.
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).
However, Jesus as clearly taught that the condition on which we can actually forgive someone who has sinned against us is his or her repentance. To do otherwise is not in harmony with the concept of forgiveness and is a standard foreign to the Gospel of Christ under which we live and by which we will be held accountable at the last, great day in Judgment.
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4).
