Forgiveness
In effect, the person who chooses to forgive
resolves not to remember the offense, refuses to hold a
grudge, relinquishes any claim on recompense, and resists
the temptation to brood or retaliate. The offended party
simply bears the insult. The offense is set aside, lovingly
covered for Christ's sake. For petty and unintentional
offenses, this is the proper and loving way to forgive —
unilaterally, without confrontation and without stirring any
strife...People who insist on confronting every wrong often
simply stir strife — the antithesis of what Jesus' teaching
on forgiveness was intended to produce. Real love should
cover the vast majority of transgressions, not constantly
haul them out in the open for dissection (1Pe 4:8).
- Dr. John MacArthur Jr.
If God forgives us, we
must forgive others. Otherwise it is almost like setting up
ourselves as a higher tribunal than him.
- C. S. Lewis
