Dan Winkler also said that despite what previously had been reported by a family friend, he did not forgive Mary for the shooting because she did not tell him she was sorry.Jesus had some thoughts on this sort of thing:
"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Matthew 6:14-15)
"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:2)
My general approach to these passages (and those like them) is that I want God to be as absolutely forgiving with me as He can be, because I need all the forgiveness I can get!
2 comments:
I might suggest that it is impossible to forgive someone who has not genuingely sought such. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him" (Lk. 17:3). What if he does not seek forgiveness?
I think it is comparable to the fact that while God knows the things we need before we ask, he still expects us to ask. As James told some, "You have not, because you ask not" (Jas. 4:2).
While we should certainly not hold a vengeful disposition, being always ready to forgive any offense, it simply is impossible to forgive those who do not want it.
Does God forgive us without our asking? If not, are we more generous than God?
He doesn't NEED Mary's statement to forgive her! He needs the forgiveness for HIM, and for no other reason (besides its biblical).
I highly disagree that is it impossible to forgive those who do not want it! I have forgiven without any such item handed, and I did for me because the Bible states it is what is best. You wait on people saying they are sorry, and you are going to be carrying a load of venom around FOREVER!
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