The Greek word for forgiveness is pronounced Ôapse a miÕ. The word means to send away, to dismiss, to depart.
To forgive is to send away that for which there was a breach in the relationship.
When a person confesses their sin to us, we are to remove the offense from the relationship and receive the person back into our society. Clearly then, only the one who was offended can extend forgiveness and reinstate the offender in the relationship.
The Bible makes it clear that forgiveness is a possibility and is to be extended when the party who has committed the offense has repented.
In 1 John1:9, it tells us that when we confess our sins the Lord will forgive us. We, in like manner are told to forgive those who sin against us when they repent.
Luke 17:3 says, “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” The sequence then is fourfold. 1. An offense is committed. 2. A rebuke is given by the offended party. 3. The offender repents. 4. The offended person extends forgiveness.
Continue reading 'The Biblical View on Forgiveness'»
A frequently heard comment in ordinary conversation, is the expression, “I have the right to be wrong.” This statement is said with an air of finality that defies contradiction. The person uttering this, apparently true word, challenges all comers to call into question his position. That is exactly what I propose to do.
If, when someone makes this statement they are indicating they have the ability to do things that are wrong, then everyone must agree. We are all capable, and in fact, are involved every day in doing things that are wrong by various standards. But this is not likely what the person means.
What is more to the point is that the person almost certainly means that they do not wish anyone judging their actions and condemning them for them. This is a luxury that most people wish to afford, especially when they know they have done something particularly wrong. No one in his or her right mind enjoys being proven wrong.
But, do we really have the right to be wrong? The answer is an emphatic “No!” No one has the right to be wrong. While we all have the capacity to be wrong and indulge that ability frequently, we have no right whatsoever to be wrong.
Continue reading 'Do we have to be right to be wrong?'»
Comments (0) 
@GordonRumford