"Introduction To A Love Story-Part IV"
Posted: Sunday, August 02, 2009
by revruc1
Sugarwood Christian Center intl inc
Forgiveness: I must say forgiveness is a part of love also.
One of the strongest themes in Jesus' teaching is forgiveness. He certainly intends us to forgive each other as individuals. But he was often speaking of the community. In his community there were a number of people who were looked down upon. These included tax collectors, who were regarded as collaborators with the Romans, and prostitutes, whose sin is obvious, but apparently also many ordinary people who didn't have the time and resources to carry out all of the commandments that some considered essential. Jesus spent much of his time with these people, reassuring them of God's love. However the people who are shown as responding to him are also shown as repenting of their sins. A tax collector who followed him vowed to return anything he had fraudulently taken fourfold.
Christians are called on to forgive enemies, both Christian and non-Christian. This forgiveness is intended to benefit both parties. In many cases it may win over the other person, and restore (or establish) a relationship with them. However, even when it does not, forgiveness is important. Bitterness and resentment are two of the more destructive emotions. Love can forgive in spite of.
A number of Christians believe that this requirement prohibits all war. Christians should be able to come up with better ways to deal with conflict. Most Christians agree with this in principle, but feel that there are times when they don't know any other way to defend innocent lives against attack. At any rate, peacemaking is a priority among Christians. A number of groups are now starting to encourage members to study conflict resolution and peacemaking techniques explicitly. The "peace churches" such as the Mennonites and Quakers have been among the leaders in developing or documenting these techniques.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)hi cr,ah, forgiveness...that's the hard one, the true test.maybe it would be easier if we remember, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (not the exact quote) some of us christians don't know how to forgive, or the power it inspires."A number of groups are now starting to encourage members to study conflict resolution and peacemaking techniques explicitly"i think that's a great idea, and i hope it spreads,my best regards,sue
You are correct, forgiveness is the true test. Yes, some are utilizing conflict resolution. It sounds better to others rather than saying, "Study the Bible, to show thyself approved. Thanks for the comment. These articles are going to be a series. They are in reality parts of my latest book to be published, "When She Danced In June."
Dr. All I've wanted in life, is to be a 'Soldier for Christ'! I appreciate this submission to the fullest. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks Ronyae, coming from you is always encouragement. Thanks again
Reverend-Forgiveness is one of the hardest teachings to swallow! I do think that forgiveness is not an excuse to not have war. Even Jesus stood up for the innocent and right! Thanks for sharing!
Yes it is. Forgiveness is hard and difficult. But, I think Christ would note the efforts put forward. Some things He has to handle in us, all we have to do is let Him. Thanks Laura.
and you quote the Lord of Peace and Light,presented with yourself photographed in a uniform symbolizing death and killing;youve come a long way!May the christ-light surround you and all those also (trapped) in such uniforms!
Thank you Paul. There are times you go forward to war for righteousness sakes. We would hope our leaders lead us in that effort. However, we find greed has placed us in awkward positions. (My Mother would say when I was a kid, "If you go to jail, go for righteousness sakes and not of evil bidding). War? Well, we would always hope they are righteous that send us. If not, the burden is placed on them.
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