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When it is hard to forgive

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Ternera, Mar 6, 2011.

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  1. Ternera

    Ternera New Member

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    HAMel just posted an article about the couple beating to death a little boy for peeing his pants. I noticed that some responders wish that couple the same treatment or even death. This is a totally normal human reaction to something like this. But. I am wondering if this is hos God wants us to react.
    I am not trying to tell people that they are wrong, usually I am first to come up with such a reaction when I hear about abuse of children, elderly, or animals.
    Obviously, people who behave this way stay very, very far from God. This is the root of such a behavior. So I think that we have to try to control our initial anger and frustration and, first of all, pray for those individuals so they would open their hearts to the Lord. I know what many of us think is that such people don't have hearts whatsoever, and for me personally it's extremely difficult to even consider them normal human beings. At the same time, God loves all the sinners, and His forgiveness is availible for everybody.
     
    #1 Ternera, Mar 6, 2011
  2. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    Very well said. Quick to condemn and slow to forgive is one of the most un-Christ like attitudes anyone can hold. As one who knows not only what is is like to be completely forgiven I know what it is like to need to completely forgive as my mother was brutally murdered and I have no reason to believe that she is with the Lord. While we do need to be a society of laws that carry out justice as God has prescribed we also need to carry them out without malice always ready to share the gospel with the one who has offended praying that they come to the light before it is too late. I just pray that those who are so eager to see judgment are just as eager to pray for the salvation of these who commit these crimes.
     
    #2 freeatlast, Mar 6, 2011
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  3. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I read somewhere, that while a death penalty is being passed out, if the victims are enjoying the accused being subject to the death penalty - then that is revenge - if that same victim does not enjoy the event - that my friend is justice.

    Salty

    PS - if someone knows the link to the exact quote, I would appreciate it.
     
    #3 Salty, Mar 6, 2011
  4. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    That does hold some truth, and the bible says this;
    And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
    So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

    Our forgiveness is seeking nothing as payment and gets no joy out of the death of the unrighteous.
     
    #4 freeatlast, Mar 6, 2011
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  5. North Carolina Tentmaker

    North Carolina Tentmaker New Member

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    It is a part of our old sin nature to try and justify our sins and realize our own salvation by saying we are more righteous than others. It is the same action that the Pharisee took when he thanked God that he was not like the publican. (Luke 18:11)

    The root of the problem lies in our view of ourselves. Yes this couple that beat a child to death is evil. They deserve to be punished, but here is the thing, SO DO WE. We deserve hell just as much as they do! Its only because of Christ that we don’t get what we deserve.

    If I can point a finger at a child abuser, or a homosexual, or Hitler, or Osama Bin Laden, and say they are much worse than I, then I can make myself feel better about myself, but it is a false pride. I am just as much a sinner and just as deserving as hell as they are.
     
    #5 North Carolina Tentmaker, Mar 6, 2011
  6. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
    (note Bold emphasis - mine)
     
    #6 Salty, Mar 6, 2011
  7. mcdirector

    mcdirector Active Member

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    We should naturally be appalled at the depth to which humans will hurt each other. Our initial reaction is human.

    This does not take away concerns for the salvation of the abusers - that should come later for Christians.

    Praise God we don't get what we deserve! Amen Brother Greg!
     
    #7 mcdirector, Mar 6, 2011
  8. Alive in Christ

    Alive in Christ New Member

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    Forgive anyway.
     
    #8 Alive in Christ, Mar 6, 2011
  9. Alive in Christ

    Alive in Christ New Member

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    Ironically, after posting my post above, I immediately came upon this by accident...or by providence....in a matter of seconds....

    Both incidences, the OP and this one, brought tears to my eyes, for different reasons of course.

    Here is the rest...




    http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/06/louisiana-mom-jalisa-granger-dies-protecting-baby-from-tornado/?ncid=webmail
     
    #9 Alive in Christ, Mar 6, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 6, 2011
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