I have been pontificating on the subject of forgiveness
lately. It is a touchy subject because I would dare say that we all have people
in our lives who need forgiveness. The question then is this: are we to give it
freely to all who need it? The answer most believers would give is yes, but I that
correct. We are told multiple times in scripture to bear with one another and forgive
as Christ has forgiven us. The issue, however, is that each time we are told
this in the Bible, it is in relation to other people who have repented. When we
consider forgiving as Christ forgives, we must keep in mind that Christ does
not and will not forgive everyone but only those who have repented. Perhaps
bearing with one another means that we are to be as patient as possible since
we are all imperfect and that we are to readily offer forgiveness but that we
do not give it until one repents. This would seem logical since we are to
forgive as Christ forgives. He does not forgive everyone so neither should we
unless compelled by God.
