Faith and Forgiveness: Part I

Forgiveness may be one of the single most important aspects of living by faith but is sadly one of the most controversial and misunderstood. Our ability to have a relationship with God is not even possible without it and our continued fellowship with Him and His family is totally dependant on it. The depth of this subject overwhelms me as I consider my attempt to relate it here. I am persuaded I cannot offer anyone a full understanding and I suspect a full understanding of forgiveness might even require the full knowledge of God. I also suspect that, like other all aspects of living by faith, the need for application far outweighs the need for understanding and is only made possible through Christ Jesus. With this fact in mind I welcome any and all thoughts contrary to my perspective but I pray we can all find agreement in practice.

In this series I will try to focus on the distinction between forgiveness from God and forgiving one another and the problems caused when we confuse one with the other. I will attempt to address what I perceive as several misconceptions concerning forgiveness as well as the necessity for seeking forgiveness from God and from others. I hope to highlight the need for acknowledging an offense and I will offer my understanding of the scriptural approach to resolving offenses. I will do all I can to differentiate between my perspective and the clear biblical instruction concerning forgiveness. Please feel free to engage my theology but I ask that you also attempt to make this distinction when relating your thoughts here in order that we might find agreement in practice. I would insist if I could but can only encourage you to call me out if you suspect I have erred in presenting the scripture in any way and I assure you I will only appreciate it. ;-)