Real forgiveness

When we have been sinned against, real forgiveness should flow out to the offender at two levels.

First, internally, within the thoughts of our own hearts, we should forgive the offender unconditionally and immediately. That is extremely difficult. But it is how God forgives us. So we know that radical forgiveness is right. Not easy, but right.

Secondly, externally, in our relationship with the offender, we should follow the path the Lord gave us in Luke 17:3: “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” John Stott, in his book Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation, page 35, writes about this verse.... Keep reading