How do you forgive your enemies?

[YYZ Skinhead]

I know why God expects us to forgive our enemies, if we want Him to forgive us for sinning. He said "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do" to the Romans who were torturing Him. Every day when I ask Him to forgive me for sinning I begin by asking Him to help me forgive my enemies so He can forgive me.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

I have forgiven people in the past, but there are some enemies whom I have been unable to forgive (even after they are dead ). If I want God to forgive me, it's logical that I am expected to forgive them. I just don't know how.

[Vic]

(08-25-2010 11:41 AM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  I know why God expects us to forgive our enemies, if we want Him to forgive us for sinning. He said "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do" to the Romans who were torturing Him. Every day when I ask Him to forgive me for sinning I begin by asking Him to help me forgive my enemies so He can forgive me.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

I have forgiven people in the past, but there are some enemies whom I have been unable to forgive (even after they are dead ). If I want God to forgive me, it's logical that I am expected to forgive them. I just don't know how.

I think the reality is we cannot do it in our own strength or abilities. This is truly about allowing Christ to love and forgive through us. I think when we can say, Lord I can't do this, I don't know how. Then we need to just say please do it for me, and change my thinking and understanding so they honor Christ.

I have been there where I felt it impossible to really love and forgive someone. It's not an easy thing to deal with. But knowing it's sin is a start and simply allowing God to change us, is how it will eventually become true love and forgiveness of others. I think when we consider how much God has loved us and forgiven us, we need to always keep that in mind when we look at others.

[abide]

hi, haven't posted for a while but maybe this will help when praying I tell God I choose to forgive and ask him to make it real to my heart. He has always helped me in this way, to forgive. hope this helps. hope you all have a merry Christmas,

[Backpacker]

When we hold anger, resentment or hate inside of you it will kill you. It will eat away at your insides, your mind and can even cause physical stress on our bodies. God knows this and just as he has given us many other guidelines to keep our bodies healthy he is teaching us to let go of that anger, resentment and hate. By doing so we live in harmony with ourselves, our family and our community.

Jacob

[sheep wrecked]

(12-28-2010 09:13 PM)Backpacker Wrote:  When we hold anger, resentment or hate inside of you it will kill you. It will eat away at your insides, your mind and can even cause physical stress on our bodies. God knows this and just as he has given us many other guidelines to keep our bodies healthy he is teaching us to let go of that anger, resentment and hate. By doing so we live in harmony with ourselves, our family and our community.

Jacob

From my understanding of the NT, forgiveness has to so with our spiritual change of heart, the renewal of our minds by the Holy Spirit. In forgiving, we are forgiven because that is how God's character - His righteousness and holiness - are found in us. Regardless of the physical repercussions, if one does not forgive according the Bible, then they will not be forgiven by God. Do you agree that this is more pre-eminent than the physical? Living in "harmony" with others is the love of Jesus Christ in us, not a "feeling" that one thrives on from being "healthy"

[Backpacker]

(12-29-2010 05:32 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  From my understanding of the NT, forgiveness has to so with our spiritual change of heart, the renewal of our minds by the Holy Spirit. In forgiving, we are forgiven because that is how God's character - His righteousness and holiness - are found in us. Regardless of the physical repercussions, if one does not forgive according the Bible, then they will not be forgiven by God. Do you agree that this is more pre-eminent than the physical? Living in "harmony" with others is the love of Jesus Christ in us, not a "feeling" that one thrives on from being "healthy"

I see the two aspects as one. The actual act of forgiveness is an issue of the heart, but at the same time brings harmony to the community. Both the spiritual and the physical working together as one. We can see this spiritual and physical together in KJV Psalm 24:3-4, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Only those who have "clean hands" (physical) and a "pure heart" (spiritual) may come before God.

[Vic]

(12-29-2010 07:12 PM)Backpacker Wrote:  

(12-29-2010 05:32 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  From my understanding of the NT, forgiveness has to so with our spiritual change of heart, the renewal of our minds by the Holy Spirit. In forgiving, we are forgiven because that is how God's character - His righteousness and holiness - are found in us. Regardless of the physical repercussions, if one does not forgive according the Bible, then they will not be forgiven by God. Do you agree that this is more pre-eminent than the physical? Living in "harmony" with others is the love of Jesus Christ in us, not a "feeling" that one thrives on from being "healthy"

I see the two aspects as one. The actual act of forgiveness is an issue of the heart, but at the same time brings harmony to the community. Both the spiritual and the physical working together as one. We can see this spiritual and physical together in KJV Psalm 24:3-4, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Only those who have "clean hands" (physical) and a "pure heart" (spiritual) may come before God.

Jacob, Do you have a Scripture for "The actual act of forgiveness is an issue of the heart, but at the same time brings harmony to the community" Especially a scripture concerning the concept that forgiveness 'brings harmony to the community" ?

Aren't the only ones to come to God, those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Jesus taught that we are to forgive or we won't be forgiven by God. The implication is eternal not about community harmony that I can see. It's about being right with God and obedient to Him, isn't it?.

Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mat 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
...
Matthew 18:26-35 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34. And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

[Backpacker]

(12-29-2010 07:56 PM)Vic Wrote:   Jacob, Do you have a Scripture for "The actual act of forgiveness is an issue of the heart, but at the same time brings harmony to the community" Especially a scripture concerning the concept that forgiveness 'brings harmony to the community" ?

Aren't the only ones to come to God, those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Jesus taught that we are to forgive or we won't be forgiven by God. The implication is eternal not about community harmony that I can see. It's about being right with God and obedient to Him, isn't it?.

Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mat 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
...
Matthew 18:26-35 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34. And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

No, I do not have any specific verses that state that, but I believe it is a provable fact. Would you agree that a husband who refuses to forgive his wife for something she did will bring the marriage to ruin? And this will also cause mental and physical stress on both the husband and wife? (Maybe that's why we have so many pschiatrists and therapists today? LOL) There is no harmony in that home, agreed?

Now, let's say that the husband forgives the wife, the marriage is mended, the mental and physical stress is removed and once again their is harmony in the home.

God knows us better than we do. Of course he requires us to forgive one another, if we do not we will not be in harmony and how can disharmony have a relationship with God?

To me this makes perfect sense.

As for comment and scriptures about how one comes to God I completely agree, but not sure how this is relevent to the discussion.