Jesus Christ's teaching on Forgiving

Forgiving another is tough; pride gets in the way. Irrespective of the result, the devil stands to gain.

Monday, August 8, 2011: Matthew 18:15 (NKJV)

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

Background: Jesus Christ teaches about forgiveness of sins against fellow-believers.

What is the aim of telling another how he has sinned against you? The first verse clearly states that you will regain your brother. Any such telling must be done with gentleness and in a conciliatory tone.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011: Matthew 18:16 – 17 (NKJV)

But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Why are more witness needed? This precaution is for you. If your witnesses ask you questions (or refuse), reexamine if any wrong was done against you or not.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011: Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

What does this verse have to do with the rest of the context of forgiveness? This verse is often taken out of context as a formula for Church meetings. The Biblical context is that of continued unity between believers. Jesus Christ Himself is present when you approach a believer about his sin against you.

Thursday, August 11, 2011: Matthew 18:21 – 22 (NKJV)

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Are these numbers relevant? We are to understand that behind these numbers lie the truth that God has forgiven us all our debts (sins).

Friday, August 12, 2011: Matthew 18:35 (NKJV)

 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Background: Jesus Christ tells a parable of the kingdom of heaven. A King forgives a servant a debt of $10,000(talents). The servant doesn’t forgive a fellow servant of a 100¢(denarii) debt!

Can God punish a believer who doesn’t forgive another? This parable clearly indicates that God will mete out justice during our lifetime, but not in heaven.