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People assume that Christianity is all about forgiving anyone and everyone! Even the word of God speaks in that sort apparently. It is written in Matthew 6:14-15, NIV-Bible; “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” But in reality, the true forgiveness only happens in the midst of brothers and sisters in Christ, especially when the bible pleads believers to stay righteous and deflect from all sins. As per the bible, all believers should stay away from the evil people as much as possible. And you’re not required to shout “I forgive you” to each and everyone that persecute you – but to remain calm and give room to God, while the bible says “vengeance is mine”. The word of God says in Matthew 5:39, “Do not resist an evil person” – an acumen from the Lord possible to avoid many troubles. It is also written in Psalms 34:19-20, NIV-Bible; “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken”. Though funny as it reads “God protects all his bones”; it’s an absolute truth, and the possible outcome of forgiving others – and it facilitates calmness during any aggravated situations in life – and surely, not a single bone in your body is broken!
Another culprit is the feeling of guilt when we know that we hate someone. The written verse in Mark 11:25 says (NIV-Bible); “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” As a matter of fact, it’s an impossible thing to forgive others completely unless the person you hate is a brother or sister in Christ. So, what the bible is talking about? Certainly, it’s not asking anyone to have further more troubles and arguments with the people of worldly dispositions; instead, it’s urging and pleading the believers not to harbor any grudge in their heart while staying away from the evil. And when it comes to the fellowship among the believers, do not hold any bitterness towards anyone within the church congregation, or any other similar settings. In addition, the word of God says in Luke 17:3-4, NIV-Bible; “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” When the bible says “brother” or “sister”, it’s not referring anyone and everyone on this earth; it’s talking about the true believers as it is written in Matthew 12:50, NIV-Bible; “And Jesus said, for whoever does the will of my Father in heaven are my brothers and sisters and mother.”
Yet, the bible teaches us to stay in the love of the Lord. And, as He abides in us, we will be able to discern everything evil that breaks the Lord’s divine law. As true believers we do not have to associate with evil people, but should treat everyone with love, humility and caution without any partiality. Amen
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