17 Jul 2015

Matthew 18:35

Posted by joncooper

Matthew 18:35: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

God commands us to forgive one another, and so we should. I think we go wrong when we don’t realize how terrible our sins against God actually are. We act as if our offenses against God are small while other people’s offenses against us are great, when it is quite the other way around. God has forgiven us, so we must forgive others. Our sins against God are far greater – many times greater, as this parable illustrates – than anyone’s offense against us, and we must forgive. It is not optional.

The question I have always had is whether we should forgive those who are not the least bit sorry. In the example Christ mentions, the person pleading for forgiveness was indeed sorry. That is an easy case. But what of those who are quite happy about what they have done and would do it again?

I think in that case we should let go of the bitterness and move on. I suppose that could be called forgiveness by some, but it’s not quite the same. Real forgiveness takes two people – the sinner, who is granted forgiveness, and the victim, who grants it. Both people are involved: one grants forgiveness and the other accepts it. I do not think that forgiveness can be granted unilaterally. After all, even God will not forgive sinners who refuse to repent.

The difference is that we must not hold on to bitterness and hatred. Why? Because we are called to love our enemies and bless them. If we are still angry at them then we won’t be able to do that. Some would call this forgiveness, but I am a bit stricter with my definitions.

Now, earlier in this passage we did see a case where a brother sinned and refused to repent. In that case Jesus didn’t say “Just forgive him and forget it; it’s all right”. Instead the offended party was commanded to disown him and refuse him fellowship until he repented. Only after repentance would forgiveness be granted, and not before. I wonder if we are too keen on forgiving these days, and neglect the part where pressure is applied to encourage the sinner to change his heart and his ways.

But the bottom line is the same: if someone sins against you and then comes and begs forgiveness, it must be granted. It is not optional.

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