Christian Forgiveness

MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” —Ephesians 4:32

MATTHEW 18:15-17, 21-35

IN Alexander Pope’s, “An Essay on Criticism,” he writes, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” If we would be like God we must be willing to forgive. Indeed, we must be more than grudgingly willing to forgive when the test is placed upon us. If, as our memory text states, we are tender-hearted, we will want to forgive, and in this attitude of heart and mind we will be like God, who for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. God’s forgiveness of us is not unconditional, nor need our forgiveness of others be apart from meeting certain conditions, although we should manifest a desire to forgive at all times.

If a brother has trespassed against us we should go to him alone in an endeavor to get the facts. Perhaps the brother is not aware of his wrongdoing. If it is found that a genuine wrong has been committed, and the brother does not wish to acknowledge it, and to seek forgiveness, then we are to take two or three others with us, to see if, together, something can be accomplished to help the brother. Failing in this, if we consider the matter of sufficient importance, we are to report the situation to the local congregation of believers with whom we are associated. If then the brother does not see the error of his way, he is to be disfellowshiped, or, as Jesus said, to be to us “as an heathen man and a publican.”

This is the procedure for dealing with gross and willful wrong-doing in the church. However, even “heathen” and “publicans” sometimes reform, and the implication is that if the brother who has transgressed later repents and reforms he should be welcomed back into the congregation. This was Paul’s viewpoint, as he advised the brethren in the church at Corinth.—I Cor. 5:1-5; II Cor. 2:6-11

God’s appreciation of his children here on earth, and his confidence in them, is revealed by the Master’s words concerning their requests of him. He said that prayers reflecting agreement among them would be favorably answered. We will have to assume, however, that such requests are in harmony with God’s will and plan.

Peter may have thought that he was manifesting a very gracious spirit when he asked if we should forgive our brethren who sin against us as many as seven times. He was probably surprised when Jesus said that we should be willing to forgive “seventy times seven.” This could be a real test upon our faith and good will, and yet our Heavenly Father is continually forgiving us. How often, by thought, word, or deed, we misrepresent him, and perhaps presume upon his kindness and love!

The parable related in the lesson conveys an important viewpoint. The man who owed a large sum was forgiven by his master, but this same man was not willing to forgive the trivial debt of another. This illustrates an important principle in God’s dealing with us. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12) The man in the parable proved himself unworthy of having his large debt forgiven because he was not willing to forgive another even a small debt.

Not only did Jesus teach his disciples to pray for forgiveness upon the basis of their willingness to forgive others, but he explained that this was mandatory. He said, “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:14,15) This leaves us no choice. We should bear this in mind should we find it difficult in our hearts to forgive a brother his trespasses.—vs. 35

In the parable, the “king” who forgave his servant the large amount, and then changed his mind when the servant did not manifest the same spirit of compassion and forgiveness, delivered this servant to the “tormentors.” Jesus said, “So likewise shall my Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

The Father does not torment those unworthy of forgiveness, for he is not a god of torment. The parable simply relates the custom of that time, and teaches that God will refuse to forgive under certain circumstances. And on those who do not merit forgiveness he will, of course, inflict his own punishment, which is death—for “the wages of sin is death.”—Rom. 6:23

QUESTIONS

How do we know that forgiveness is a Godlike characteristic?

What are some of the conditions attached to God’s forgiveness of us?

Will God torment those whom he does not forgive?

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