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Does forgiveness depend on the repentance of the wrongdoer?

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While forgiveness is commanded, it can be offered freely without the wrongdoer’s repentance, as exemplified by Christ.

Jesus modeled forgiveness even in the absence of repentance, as seen when He prayed, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34). This raises the profound reality that while true forgiveness can occur after genuine repentance, the command to forgive begins with us, independent of the other person's acknowledgement or remorse. Our act of forgiveness serves as a reflection of the grace extended to us by God. In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells the parable of forgiving the ungrateful servant to emphasize that understanding the enormity of our own forgiveness makes it vital to forgive others.
Scripture References: Luke 23:34, Matthew 18:21-35

Sermons (1)

Forgiveness
Todd Nibert · Jun 28, 2015
Joshua

Joshua

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