The Matter of Forgiveness

Growing up, children are always told "forgive and forget." The only One capable of doing such a thing is God. However, as Children-in-Christ we are told to forgive and to have no limit to our forgiveness. But, what is real forgiveness? Forgiveness is letting someone offend you and not holding that sin against them. When you forgive someone, you are to treat that person as if they had done nothing wrong to you. When you forgive, you are making a promise not to bring that sin up to them, to yourself, or to anybody else. Forgiveness is a struggle for all believers, but with God's grace, we can Biblically forgive. The battle must be fought and relationships in Christ must be maintained for the message of the gospel to go forth.

On the other hand, if someone has offended you, you must forgive them WITHOUT them even asking for your forgiveness. Christ showed this kind of forgiveness on the Cross: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." The person who offended you may never know they are forgiven, but a God-fearing person will forgive without the offender having to apologize for their actions. Never (and I really mean never) tell a person that they "owe" you an apology. That just goes to show that you have a very UNFORGIVING spirit and are very proud in your own self-righteousness. Christ forgave you without you asking for forgiveness. You should forgive others without them having to ask for it.