Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
We must examine ourselves to see whether we are willing to forgive our neighbours for the offences they have committed against us. If we desire God’s forgiveness of our sins, we will receive our neighbours’ words in such a way that we are willing to forgive them. Matthew 6:14 says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Futhermore, we must not just forgive with our mouths but also with sincere hearts (Matt. 18:35).
To know whether our forgiveness comes from the heart, we should look for these signs. First, do we have true compassion for the neighbours who have offended us? Second, can we address them in kindness and live in close fellowship with them as much as possible? Third, are we prepared to do them good in soul and body and to pray for them with compassionate hearts? Joseph forgave in this way (Gen. 45:5; 50:21), as did Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7:60), and Paul the apostle (Rom. 9:3).
For the reference, see Godefridus Udemans on forgiving our neighbours.
To know whether our forgiveness comes from the heart, we should look for these signs. First, do we have true compassion for the neighbours who have offended us? Second, can we address them in kindness and live in close fellowship with them as much as possible? Third, are we prepared to do them good in soul and body and to pray for them with compassionate hearts? Joseph forgave in this way (Gen. 45:5; 50:21), as did Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7:60), and Paul the apostle (Rom. 9:3).
For the reference, see Godefridus Udemans on forgiving our neighbours.
