Some Questions On Forgiveness Answered
When Peter asked Jesus how many times he needed to forgive someone, he was raising a question that has often since been repeated in the minds of believers, and hints at a category of questions that would arise. The questions are still asked in our day. If forgiveness is necessary, how should one forgive? How often should forgiveness be extended to the same person? What if the person does not want to be forgiven? What should be one's attitude when seeking to forgive? Is forgiveness always necessary? Should there be a time of probation? There are many questions that come with the subject of forgiveness. We will seek to address these questions on this page. More questions and answers will be added over time. Click on the underlined link to find a more complete answer.—Dan
Unless indicated otherwise, quotations come from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White.
Anger often accompanies forgiveness issues. Is it okay to be angry with a person? Does this anger affect us? How does God view this anger? Read more about anger by clicking on the link above.
Yes. Both Moses and Christ demonstrated that kind of anger.
Kindly; like Jesus responded in His day.
Confess and make things right with that person.
It means seeking them out and doing whatever we can to make things right with them. That often includes forgiving or asking forgiveness.
Note the following:
"My brethren and sisters, prepare the way, that you may come to God and be forgiven. Act your part in the work of confession. It is not your brother’s sin that you are to confess, but your own. In doing this, you are making straight paths for your feet and for his—paths that will lead him to Christ." {SW January 1, 1903, par. 8
Apparently. It is suggested that every church try to have such meetings before the end of the year.
Yes.
Be generous in offering forgiveness!
We need to still forgive them.
Yes if we want to follow what Jesus taught?
Yes. Jesus told us to!
Their level of repentance does not determine if we should forgive them. We forgive because we have been told to forgive them. Only God knows what is in their hearts.
Yes. Read the complete answer.
70 times 7 times. As often as God forgives us!
Read the answer! Here is a preview: "If you have committed one wrong and they twenty, confess that one as though you were the chief offender."
No. Go to the person as we are instructed in Matt. 18.
It means really restoring them. But do so carefully with accountability measures if appropriate.
Tell them how much Christ forgives them and continues to forgive.
Dignity is never an acceptable reason for not making things right with others.