Looking at 1 John 1:9 not too long ago, the Spirit gave me more incite on the necessity of forgiveness, and it’s that forgiveness is just.
The definition of forgive (trans. v.) is (1.a.) to give up resentment of or claim to requital for <forgive an insult> (b.) to grant relief from payment of <forgive a debt> (2.) to cease to feel resentment against (an offender); pardon <forgive one’s debt>; excuse.
So, while studying the subject, I came up with some key points concerning forgiveness/unforgivingness:
- Withholding forgiveness is unjust. Forgiveness isn’t simply a nice thing to do; it’s the right thing to do. (1Jn1:9)
- God commands us to forgive. It is not a request. Although God’s forgiveness is conditional (It’s offered to all, but we must ask for it and repent.), we’re to forgive unconditionally. (2Ch 7:14)
- God forgives and we are to be like God. (Col 3:13)
- There are some things that are just reserved for God, who has infinite wisdom. Vengeance, favor, and withholding forgiveness are some of those things. God knows best when, and at what measure to dole out blessings and punishment. We do not. (1Sam 2:30; 2 Ki 22:17-20; Mt 18:21-22; Lk 6:37; Ro 2:11; 12:19; Jas 2:8-9)
- There’s a penalty for withholding forgiveness. (Mt 6:14-15; 18:21-35)
- Redemption is a key facet -if not the key facet- of the Christian faith. And without forgiveness, there is no redemption. (Ps 103:12; Isa 59:1-2; Eph 1:7)
A forgiving character is certainly an indicator that a person is a (mature) child of God.
