[Biblemat] Forgiveness of others (question/answer)

[Don Martin]

Hello Brenda,

Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible
Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org  Please
check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net  Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the archives search page
and type in any subject or word you wish to explore. New material is
constantly being added to both sites. Any help you can give us in telling
others of these sites will be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is an
online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home page,
scroll down and enter.  While on the Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible
Study Course" in the table.  Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go
there.

You asked:

Does God ask us to forgive people that do not ask for our forgiveness?

Reply:

It might come as a surprise to some, but the scriptures are very explicit
when it comes to forgiveness and all the related particulars.  Such is
expressive of the fact that God has spoken on this subject and man is to
process and apply this teaching and information.  In terms of one verse,
both the forgiveness of man's sins by God and man's forgiveness of the sins
of man are tantamount in nature (Eph. 4: 32).  When we consider the
overall teaching of the scriptures pertaining to forgiveness, we find that
God's forgiveness of man's sins is conditional (cp. Acts 2: 38).  We also
see that man's forgiveness of sins committed against him is also
conditional (cp. Luke 17: 3, 4).  This is not to say, though, that in the
absence of these conditions being met justifies hate or vengeance.  There
must be at all times a "forgiving spirit" (cp. Luke 23: 34).  For more
detail, I suggest you read, "Forgiveness" found in www.bibletruths.net
When on the home page, click on the "Great Truths" button and scroll
down to the topic and click on the "click here."  Here is an excerpt:

     "...Forgiveness of sin is truly a great Bible truth. Forgiveness is
great because of the enormity of sin (that which is forgiven), the one
who forgives (in the case of God), the cost of forgiveness, and the
unworthiness of the one forgiven. There are three areas involving
forgiveness: God's forgiveness of man's sins, man's forgiveness of
man's sins in general, and the one sinned against forgiving the
offender....."

Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual
matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference
(web addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in
both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at
the bottom of the home page in Bible Truths).

Cordially,
Don Martin