And the winner of the drawing for A New Forgiveness Quiz is . . .
| kingsbro27 |
Question #11 – Where broken relationships are concerned, forgiveness can be unpacked in a moment. TRUE.
Okay, “False,” is probably the better answer. But, hey, this is just a discussion starter.
In the first forgiveness quiz, I argued that this is false. (And, 92% of those who took the quiz agreed). But, it is also important to remember that God forgives the repentant in a moment. While emotional wounds take time to heal, believers are called to commit to forgive others in the same way that God forgives us.
The bottom line is that forgiveness should usually be unpacked in a moment. The dialogue is simple, “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?”
“Yes, I forgive you.”
Done. It’s over.
Of course, where deep wounds are concerned, it is more complicated.
Question #12 – A strong belief in the biblical doctrine of eternal punishment (hell) is essential if we are to avoid bitterness. TRUE.
See Derek Thomas’ recent, Will a Loving God Condemn People to Hell? This is true from two perspectives. First, the Bible uses the doctrine of eternal punishment to motivate Christians to forgive the repentant (Matthew 18:21-35). Second, Christians are also called to trust in the justice of God. Vengeance belongs to Him. He will repay (Romans 12:17-21).
If you are unwilling, or unable, to forgive someone, then I encourage you to read and study Matthew 18:21-35 very carefully.
Trying to decide if I can forgive you for not drawing my name at all…and this isn’t an instantaneous thing, either. I’ve forgiven you every week, thinking I’d win the camera! Drats.
This has been a great series of question/answers and I have much to chew on, regarding forgiveness. Mostly it’s revealed to me that my attitude of forgiveness isn’t necessarily Biblically based all the time; instead, I usually based it on feelings and obligation. While I’m still grinding away at a couple of your answers, I have more clarity with the whole Christian package of forgiving others.
Mary, I would have liked to send a flip camera to Big Sky country. As it was – – it went to Texas.
Do you have snow yet where you are at?
Snow. Temperatures hovering around 0. Children frothing at the mouth for a Christmas tree. Dogs with cabin fever. Yes, it’s the whole package! I don’t know if this snow will last, but I love how it makes everything look clean and picturesque through the fingerprinted glass.
I live in Eastern Montana, so there are no mountains to redeem the view….just endless miles of prairie and sky.
And you? Do you have snow, or just the promise of it?
Mary, we have only a trace of snow. And, it’s cold. In fact, I was not enjoying it this morning and I gave myself a little bit of a lecture – – I mean I have several months of winter in front of me. If I’m complaining so soon, it’s not a good sign.