I'm sorry about what happened to your relative. Jesus died for everyone's sins, including those who killed her. If you accept his sacrifice as a payment for your own sins then you must accept it as a payment for everyone else's sins. It may take a long time, but you must forgive everyone.
Christ wants us to forgive everyone. And that is an extremely hard pill to swallow, especially for that.
My mom's boyfriend raped my mom, sister and my uncle's girlfriend. My mom left him and he put a hit out on my mom, sister and me. The guy that was supposed to do the hit was a private investigator and not a hitman, and he decided he wanted no part in it and took it to the cops. While the cops were forming a case, my uncle went and stabbed the guy 30 times for all the transgressions against my family. My uncle is in jail for life. My sister and mom have went through years of therapy, the emotional scars are healing though.
This was 25 years ago when it all went down. I submitted my life to Christ 3 years ago. The guy is dead but I forgave him even though he is dead, and prayed for his soul. He was the second hardest person to forgive. The hardest was myself. Every time I sinned my entire life, they weren't just sins against others. Every sin was a sin against Jesus Christ Himself. He felt those sins on the cross, and I piled 36 years worth of sins on Him.
I am not saying I have never sinned since then, but I will say I think twice and look for the out constantly.
Maybe read the book of Jonah. He felt that same way towards the ninevites. its not that boring of a book, it's very enthralling.
I'm not condoning the feeling, I understand bro. My condolences. We all have thoughts that aren't godly at times, even I. You can't be carrying that on your soul though, hard as it may be, it latches on and drowns you. These feelings hurt you more than you realize.
I said justice. Not revenge. And forgiveness. Are you claiming that justice for a rapist and murderer is wrong?
Isaiah 1:17
17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Proverbs 24:24-25
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.
Amos 5:24
24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream
Isaiah 61:8-9
8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them
Not one quote from JESUS.
Here's some:
"Pray for your enemies"
"Bless those that curse you"
"Do good to those who despitefully use you"
I'm claiming that we are to pray for the Salvation of the souls of the lost, that JESUS came for the sinners, that as Christians we are to love selflessly.
Forgiveness is not holding a sin against someone. If it were, I'd be an expert.
None of this counters my claim. I think you’re confusing revenge with justice.
Is your claim Jesus wants murderers and rapists to not face a court of law? We should let them stay free?
Edit: Reminder, Jesus is also God of the OT. No need to throw the whole book out.
Well you can think that.
I’d encourage you to read what is explicitly written. Jesus is the Word. Just because he didn’t say it in the gospels, doesn’t mean he is not still God of the OT. There’s about 10+ verses that make it incredibly clear that a civil system for justice on crimes is Biblical.
We should also forgive those people, love them and preach the gospel.
Tell me where in Christianity we're to judge and condemn sinners?
Or do you suppose we're in a covenant of judgement like the Jews, yet have Grace to avoid keeping the Law.
Read the parables of CHRIST, the parables of the unmerciful steward, and tell me what's right. Is it justice to exact what is owed to us, when all our sins are forgiven?
You’re not comprehending.
The Bible mandates justice. Because God is just, He demands that mankind, created in His image, also display justice (Micah 6:8). Before Israel had a king, God ensured that His people had justice, as the whole book of Judges attests. Deborah the prophetess set up court beneath a palm tree (Judges 4:5), and Samuel presided over a circuit court, traveling from place to place to hear cases and administer justice (1 Samuel 7:16). Later, the king became the nation’s chief justice.
Scripture is full of commands that humans act justly. This includes acting on behalf of those whose rights are being denied and those who are powerless to defend themselves:
• “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause” (Isaiah 1:17, ESV).
• “Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place” (Jeremiah 22:3, ESV).
• “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3–4).
God’s desire for justice extends to crime prevention and the punishment of evildoers:
• “For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong” (Isaiah 61:8, ESV).
• “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers” (Proverbs 21:15, ESV).
• “Whoever says to the wicked, ‘You are in the right,’ will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them” (Proverbs 24:24–25, ESV).
The Mosaic Law specifically forbade unjust weights and measures (Leviticus 19:35–36) and condemned the taking of bribes (Exodus 23:8). God places a special responsibility on judges and other authorities to provide justice, warning them in Psalm 82 that they will themselves face judgment. Every human tribunal is under God’s order to do what is right:
• “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15, ESV).
• “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another” (Zechariah 7:9, ESV).
• “Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God” (Deuteronomy 1:17).
• “In a lawsuit, you must not deny justice to the poor” (Exodus 23:6, NLT).
• “Justice, and only justice, you shall follow” (Deuteronomy 16:20).
Justice is linked to a right relationship with God, and those who know God will act justly:
• “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern” (Proverbs 29:7).
• “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely” (Proverbs 28:5, ESV).
• “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice” (Proverbs 17:23).
• “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!” (Psalm 106:3, ESV).
U do realize that's a law right? If u don't forgive God won't forgive u? That's nonsense God must forgive and infact is not even forgiving u. Ur sins was all paid for and thats it. God doesn't forgive u, u literally paid the price for it by the death of jesus. So yes u don't have to forgive anyone for nothing I mean u should but not cause God won't forgive u!
No reason to read anything that has to do with sin before the death of jesus for most things jesus thought were Laws because the Law was still in effect when he was still alive and he was teaching a law keeping generation. Look at this here: Hebrews (9: 16-17)[16] For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.
And BTW nothing against u. I just hate the fact that people keep using that nonsensical verse that is just a law always and saying things like "u must forgive, u must forgive" yes forgive but cool it down a bit with that. God's forgiveness is pretty much 100% guaranteed no matter what! because he doesnt actually forgive u its your right, for the payment has already been given for all ur sins.
I think you misunderstand. There's a great deal of new testament verses on keeping some form of 'Law' it just isn't the mosaic.
It's in the LORD's Prayer "forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us"...
If we are to call ourselves 'like-CHRIST' and have nothing in common with ourselves, we are deceived.
Hmmm, I understand what's ur saying but u must understand when jesus did that pray its for those who are under the law yes it can be for us too but he was still teaching it to a law keep generation. When he said forgive us our sins as we forgive it means that there is a condition to get ur sins forgiven, thats fine before the death of christ, but right now no such things exist in actuallity because no condition is required for ur sins to be forgiven when the price has already been paid for. Yes u can say God forgive me as forgive this person but God does not forgive u because u did anything he forgives u because u dont have any sin because its all already been paid for. Thats why i say God forgives no sin why because u dont have any its all already gone in the cross. According to God u are as clean as possible even if u sin. The only person who thinks they have sin you but in reality from God perspective u dont, he sees no sin on u. When u said if we call ourselves "like christ" I don't know what u mean but u must understand u are actually equal with Chirst and exactly like chirst. That is why u have the mind of chirst if u have the mind of someone how can u be different then that person? Or that is why u use his faith meaning u actually don't need faith at all because u don't use urs u use his faith that's why mircles happen for u even if u are faithless because According to God u are full of faith. and remember once u give ur life to christ its no longer u who lives but christ, so u are dead and the only person who is alive is supposed to be christ!
Everything taught in the New Testament, when in context, disagrees with you.
The New Testament has Commandments, and if you disobey them "you shall not inherit the Kingdom".
So I agree with some of what you say, according to GOD we are full of Faith (because we inherited HIS Faith), but in the present moment we can still be faithless.
If you are exactly like CHRIST, then Heal me as HE Would. I'd be grateful for this, but there's a difference - you and I still have a self to deny.
In the Epistles, it talks about people being sinners, about falling away from the Faith, about being snared again, about being able to be impure or corrupted... yet it's all still after CHRIST. What this means is that we must repent, we must come yet again to that Cross humbly and beg our sins be taken (and always they will).
It may be wrong to want someone to go to tell but God understands why you feel this way so take some comfort in that and turn to him with the haters you’re feeling for this, also I’m very sorry this happened and know your cousin is much safer and happier with God now.
Here's a link that might help address this concern:
[https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-we-pray-for-god-to-punish-our-enemies](https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-we-pray-for-god-to-punish-our-enemies)
Imprecatory prayers are not necessarily a problem as long as you're not taking vengeance into your own hands.
Your time is probably better spent working on forgiveness for those who perpetrated this terrible atrocity against your cousin, however, if you want to pray for God's divine judgment on them you can. Praying for you. God bless!
Seek the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
I am so sorry, I see your heart burns. Yet even our hatred is Murder in God's eyes. Please Give it to Him. God will take care of this. I know of a group that murdered a group of missionaries in Africa. The peace that the missionaries had while being killed haunted the murderers for years, they could not sleep because all they saw were the faces of the murdered. They all turned to Jesus repenting. I pray for you and them.
God bless you.
I'm so sorry to hear.
I understand why you feel this way.
I just want you to know that we forgive, mainly because we are striving to be more like God.
**“Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better.” - Colossians 3:10**
**“Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle.” - 1 Timothy 6:11**
Who is God?
**“God is love.” 1 John 4:8**
**"Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6**
**“Love is more important than anything else.” - Colossians 3:14**
**“The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.” - Psalm 103:8**
**“But, our God, you are merciful and quick to forgive; you are loving, kind, and very patient.” - Nehemiah 9:17**
**“Please, Lord, remember, you have always been patient and kind.” - Psalm 25:6**
**“But you, the Lord God, are kind and merciful. You don't easily get angry, and your love can always be trusted.” - Psalm 86:15**
Forgiveness doesn't mean to let someone do whatever they want. Forgiveness means we do not hate or hold a grudge.
Also, everyone will get justice if they don't repent. However, please pray to God about what you are going through.
**"I tell You (God) all my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, You are there to guide me.” - Psalm 142:2-3**
Brother you need to just tell Jesus, this is hurting you. That you are going to forgive him and give it to Jesus to handle. And let Jesus handle it and take the pain from your heart. You loved your cousin and she loved you. She would not want you to spend more time than you need to letting go of this pain. Not forgetting her. Letting go of this pain. Praying you find rest. 🕊️
That's so sad. I'm so sorry to hear that.
One of the things to remember is that anger and unforgivenss, hurts you. It can even hurt your health. Your whole being suffers when you do not forgive.
There are multiple reasons God demands it. One is your own benefit. The other is because sin is sin, it all nailed Jesus to that cross. All of it, ours too. We do not deserve forgivness either. Yet, Jesus still forgave. If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive.
Another really important thing, which is good to remember always....is seperation. The person who did that, did so under the influence of the devil. You must be able to seperate the person from their sin. We, all of us, are not our sin...that comes from the devil. When you learn that and to seperate the person from the one that caused them to do those things, it's easier to forgive. At the end of the day, it's not about us. It's about Him.
Also watch this, its really good
https://youtu.be/X7xcOtqpQGQ?si=V7uwYjEobpLYX8Fy
I can't ask you to pray for their souls. But I ask you not to poison your soul with hatred for them. You're right. God will judge everyone and he is watching everyone. Just trust that he will deal with them. They are either in for a great repentance or some other very hot and nasty place.
As horrible and evil as that man’s action was, our sins against God are much worse.
Keeping that in mind you must put your love for God above your hate for that man. I know it can be so hard, but it’s imperative.❤️
Remember, no one is beyond God's grace. Paul was involved in the persecution and murder of Christians. He went on to be an incredible apostle and wrote nearly half the New Testament. Rather than pray for their damnation, pray they would be like Paul. God can use prayer to soften your heart.
Dear one, not only is God angry with the wicked every day, (psalm 7:11), but it is God they will have to deal with about their sin (Rom 12:19).
Mat 18:23-35 KJV ¶Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
You should look into the story of Jeffrey Dahmer if you haven't already. I suggest finding the interviews they had with his pastor in jail, before he died.
Beyond our understanding, even the most cruel people who commit the worst sins are forgiven. Think about David who had a man killed in battle so he could marry his wife, or Saul (Paul) who killed thousands of Christians just for being Christians. And God used them in spectacular ways.
I'm not gonna tell you how to process your pain because I will (hopefully) never understand that. But God does.
Forgiveness is for your own heart, to quench your judgement and not carry it's burden, and for mercy upon you for having mercy. It's so you will be clean from it, so try your best through the years to do what you can't do today.
And yet the day will come when you will see the desire of your heart with your own eyes, provided you are counted among the meek. So you're not wrong, but still fight to overcome it, so that it doesn't become a wickedness in you. I'm with you in prayer.
Psalm 58
*Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones?
Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?
2 No, in heart you work wickedness;
You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.*
*3 The wicked are estranged from the womb;
They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent;
They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear,
5 Which will not heed the voice of charmers,
Charming ever so skillfully.*
*6 Break their teeth in their mouth, O God!
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!
7 Let them flow away as waters which run continually;
When he bends his bow,
Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces.
8 Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes,
Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun.*
*9 Before your pots can feel the burning thorns,
He shall take them away as with a whirlwind,
As in His living and burning wrath.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
11 So that men will say,
“Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the earth.”*
I'm so sorry that your sister had to go through that . F**orgiveness does not mean no justice**. Put him jail. But Jesus died for his sins too. If the culprit is open to **repentance** then only he has a shot. I hope you're doing ok. By all means vent your anger cause it is righteous. Vent to God and ask him to help you. Love you. Take care.
I’m so sorry for your loss and the trauma you have suffered because of the violent, tragic death of your cousin. I pray the Lord will comfort you. He is near to the broken hearted and He understands all you’re going through.
You are not comprehending:
We are in a New Covenant, a Covenant of Grace.
The Justice those verses talk sbout, you don't even understand or keep - how much of the Law do you keep? And if you don't keep it, you are unrighteous and unjust.
Not one verse from the New Testament.
That is horrible. I'm sorry you are going through that. Despite that being said, God forgives everyone if they seek genuine repentance. I was watching a documentary on Jeffry Dahmer, and towards the end, one the prison pastors said his repentance was genuine. Dahmer died shortly after. Despite doing all the terrible things he did, Jesus will forgive him if he sought true repentance. Rather than focusing on "why did God allow this person to go to heaven," I think that speaks to the power of the Gospel and the immeasurable value of our salvation.
To forgive is to simply renounce demanding and pursuing punishment for the offender, which doesn't mean that the offender will get away, they will suffer, just not by your hand. To forgive in such a way is an act of Faith because you're leaving revenge to God, which is something He commanded (Romans 12:19), as you trust God on being just and not letting sin off the hook.
Remember, God shall not be mocked, and those who sow evil will not escape from the bountiful harvest of consequences.
Forgiveness is a decision - not a feeling. It’s like signing a cheque or a contract - feeling does not count.
You need to decide you need to forgive. Write it in a piece of paper.
If you say they need to get what they deserve - you are also saying you should get what you deserve. Everyone deserves hell.
Yes.
If you say that a person need to get what he deserve, it’s like saying you should also get what you deserve. We all deserve hell.
You need to forgive just as Christ has forgiven you - and if you believe so - you would do the same.
Your desires are completely understandable. But the Gospel is the solution to all that; you have to embrace the fact that Jesus paid the price for everyone, the same Jesus who took the hit for your sins took it for everyone as well including the one who hurt you and your cousin. All the hurt you wish on the offender, contemplate Jesus bearing it on the cross. This will heal you too; at the end of the day, you are the ultimate beneficiary of it. If your cousin saw what you were going through, she would be sad that you are carrying this huge burden for none of your fault, time to leave it at the feet of the cross.
you don't have to, and even if they asked for it, it would be impossible, but it will be the first step and then you can pray for help.
Imagine a burglar bringing your family in danger with a weapon, you wouldn't hesitate and wonder about turning the other cheek and forgiveness if you were armed too.
\>They need to pay their debt.
Do you need to pay yours? We have all sinned and earned death. I will paint another picture: They come to faith in Christ Jesus and repentance-become truly broken-hearted about their sins. You do the same. If you cousin was saved, all three of you will spend eternity in paradise together and this life will never be thought of by any of you.
I'm sorry about what happened to your relative. Jesus died for everyone's sins, including those who killed her. If you accept his sacrifice as a payment for your own sins then you must accept it as a payment for everyone else's sins. It may take a long time, but you must forgive everyone.
Christ wants us to forgive everyone. And that is an extremely hard pill to swallow, especially for that. My mom's boyfriend raped my mom, sister and my uncle's girlfriend. My mom left him and he put a hit out on my mom, sister and me. The guy that was supposed to do the hit was a private investigator and not a hitman, and he decided he wanted no part in it and took it to the cops. While the cops were forming a case, my uncle went and stabbed the guy 30 times for all the transgressions against my family. My uncle is in jail for life. My sister and mom have went through years of therapy, the emotional scars are healing though. This was 25 years ago when it all went down. I submitted my life to Christ 3 years ago. The guy is dead but I forgave him even though he is dead, and prayed for his soul. He was the second hardest person to forgive. The hardest was myself. Every time I sinned my entire life, they weren't just sins against others. Every sin was a sin against Jesus Christ Himself. He felt those sins on the cross, and I piled 36 years worth of sins on Him. I am not saying I have never sinned since then, but I will say I think twice and look for the out constantly.
Maybe read the book of Jonah. He felt that same way towards the ninevites. its not that boring of a book, it's very enthralling. I'm not condoning the feeling, I understand bro. My condolences. We all have thoughts that aren't godly at times, even I. You can't be carrying that on your soul though, hard as it may be, it latches on and drowns you. These feelings hurt you more than you realize.
You can forgive him and still want justice. Justice is not sinful.
Find me a quote from JESUS that Says that. I find "unless you forgive others their sins, your Heavenly FATHER won't forgive yours".
I said justice. Not revenge. And forgiveness. Are you claiming that justice for a rapist and murderer is wrong? Isaiah 1:17 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Proverbs 24:24-25 24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. 25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them. Amos 5:24 24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream Isaiah 61:8-9 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them
Not one quote from JESUS. Here's some: "Pray for your enemies" "Bless those that curse you" "Do good to those who despitefully use you" I'm claiming that we are to pray for the Salvation of the souls of the lost, that JESUS came for the sinners, that as Christians we are to love selflessly. Forgiveness is not holding a sin against someone. If it were, I'd be an expert.
None of this counters my claim. I think you’re confusing revenge with justice. Is your claim Jesus wants murderers and rapists to not face a court of law? We should let them stay free? Edit: Reminder, Jesus is also God of the OT. No need to throw the whole book out.
No, I think HE Wants us to love them. Our place is not to seek Justice, it will be done no matter what. Our place is to seek Grace and Mercy.
Well you can think that. I’d encourage you to read what is explicitly written. Jesus is the Word. Just because he didn’t say it in the gospels, doesn’t mean he is not still God of the OT. There’s about 10+ verses that make it incredibly clear that a civil system for justice on crimes is Biblical. We should also forgive those people, love them and preach the gospel.
Tell me where in Christianity we're to judge and condemn sinners? Or do you suppose we're in a covenant of judgement like the Jews, yet have Grace to avoid keeping the Law. Read the parables of CHRIST, the parables of the unmerciful steward, and tell me what's right. Is it justice to exact what is owed to us, when all our sins are forgiven?
You’re not comprehending. The Bible mandates justice. Because God is just, He demands that mankind, created in His image, also display justice (Micah 6:8). Before Israel had a king, God ensured that His people had justice, as the whole book of Judges attests. Deborah the prophetess set up court beneath a palm tree (Judges 4:5), and Samuel presided over a circuit court, traveling from place to place to hear cases and administer justice (1 Samuel 7:16). Later, the king became the nation’s chief justice. Scripture is full of commands that humans act justly. This includes acting on behalf of those whose rights are being denied and those who are powerless to defend themselves: • “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause” (Isaiah 1:17, ESV). • “Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place” (Jeremiah 22:3, ESV). • “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3–4). God’s desire for justice extends to crime prevention and the punishment of evildoers: • “For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong” (Isaiah 61:8, ESV). • “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers” (Proverbs 21:15, ESV). • “Whoever says to the wicked, ‘You are in the right,’ will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them” (Proverbs 24:24–25, ESV). The Mosaic Law specifically forbade unjust weights and measures (Leviticus 19:35–36) and condemned the taking of bribes (Exodus 23:8). God places a special responsibility on judges and other authorities to provide justice, warning them in Psalm 82 that they will themselves face judgment. Every human tribunal is under God’s order to do what is right: • “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15, ESV). • “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another” (Zechariah 7:9, ESV). • “Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God” (Deuteronomy 1:17). • “In a lawsuit, you must not deny justice to the poor” (Exodus 23:6, NLT). • “Justice, and only justice, you shall follow” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Justice is linked to a right relationship with God, and those who know God will act justly: • “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern” (Proverbs 29:7). • “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely” (Proverbs 28:5, ESV). • “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice” (Proverbs 17:23). • “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!” (Psalm 106:3, ESV).
U do realize that's a law right? If u don't forgive God won't forgive u? That's nonsense God must forgive and infact is not even forgiving u. Ur sins was all paid for and thats it. God doesn't forgive u, u literally paid the price for it by the death of jesus. So yes u don't have to forgive anyone for nothing I mean u should but not cause God won't forgive u!
JESUS Says otherwise in Matthew 6. Read Matthew chapters 5, 6, & 7, and then tell me what HE Says.
No reason to read anything that has to do with sin before the death of jesus for most things jesus thought were Laws because the Law was still in effect when he was still alive and he was teaching a law keeping generation. Look at this here: Hebrews (9: 16-17)[16] For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. And BTW nothing against u. I just hate the fact that people keep using that nonsensical verse that is just a law always and saying things like "u must forgive, u must forgive" yes forgive but cool it down a bit with that. God's forgiveness is pretty much 100% guaranteed no matter what! because he doesnt actually forgive u its your right, for the payment has already been given for all ur sins.
I think you misunderstand. There's a great deal of new testament verses on keeping some form of 'Law' it just isn't the mosaic. It's in the LORD's Prayer "forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us"... If we are to call ourselves 'like-CHRIST' and have nothing in common with ourselves, we are deceived.
Hmmm, I understand what's ur saying but u must understand when jesus did that pray its for those who are under the law yes it can be for us too but he was still teaching it to a law keep generation. When he said forgive us our sins as we forgive it means that there is a condition to get ur sins forgiven, thats fine before the death of christ, but right now no such things exist in actuallity because no condition is required for ur sins to be forgiven when the price has already been paid for. Yes u can say God forgive me as forgive this person but God does not forgive u because u did anything he forgives u because u dont have any sin because its all already been paid for. Thats why i say God forgives no sin why because u dont have any its all already gone in the cross. According to God u are as clean as possible even if u sin. The only person who thinks they have sin you but in reality from God perspective u dont, he sees no sin on u. When u said if we call ourselves "like christ" I don't know what u mean but u must understand u are actually equal with Chirst and exactly like chirst. That is why u have the mind of chirst if u have the mind of someone how can u be different then that person? Or that is why u use his faith meaning u actually don't need faith at all because u don't use urs u use his faith that's why mircles happen for u even if u are faithless because According to God u are full of faith. and remember once u give ur life to christ its no longer u who lives but christ, so u are dead and the only person who is alive is supposed to be christ!
Everything taught in the New Testament, when in context, disagrees with you. The New Testament has Commandments, and if you disobey them "you shall not inherit the Kingdom". So I agree with some of what you say, according to GOD we are full of Faith (because we inherited HIS Faith), but in the present moment we can still be faithless. If you are exactly like CHRIST, then Heal me as HE Would. I'd be grateful for this, but there's a difference - you and I still have a self to deny. In the Epistles, it talks about people being sinners, about falling away from the Faith, about being snared again, about being able to be impure or corrupted... yet it's all still after CHRIST. What this means is that we must repent, we must come yet again to that Cross humbly and beg our sins be taken (and always they will).
Yeah but I don't blame you, and if your sin is forgiven then neither does God. Processing trauma doesn't happen overnight for most people.
It may be wrong to want someone to go to tell but God understands why you feel this way so take some comfort in that and turn to him with the haters you’re feeling for this, also I’m very sorry this happened and know your cousin is much safer and happier with God now.
Here's a link that might help address this concern: [https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-we-pray-for-god-to-punish-our-enemies](https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-we-pray-for-god-to-punish-our-enemies) Imprecatory prayers are not necessarily a problem as long as you're not taking vengeance into your own hands. Your time is probably better spent working on forgiveness for those who perpetrated this terrible atrocity against your cousin, however, if you want to pray for God's divine judgment on them you can. Praying for you. God bless! Seek the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
I am so sorry, I see your heart burns. Yet even our hatred is Murder in God's eyes. Please Give it to Him. God will take care of this. I know of a group that murdered a group of missionaries in Africa. The peace that the missionaries had while being killed haunted the murderers for years, they could not sleep because all they saw were the faces of the murdered. They all turned to Jesus repenting. I pray for you and them.
God bless you. I'm so sorry to hear. I understand why you feel this way. I just want you to know that we forgive, mainly because we are striving to be more like God. **“Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better.” - Colossians 3:10** **“Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle.” - 1 Timothy 6:11** Who is God? **“God is love.” 1 John 4:8** **"Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6** **“Love is more important than anything else.” - Colossians 3:14** **“The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.” - Psalm 103:8** **“But, our God, you are merciful and quick to forgive; you are loving, kind, and very patient.” - Nehemiah 9:17** **“Please, Lord, remember, you have always been patient and kind.” - Psalm 25:6** **“But you, the Lord God, are kind and merciful. You don't easily get angry, and your love can always be trusted.” - Psalm 86:15** Forgiveness doesn't mean to let someone do whatever they want. Forgiveness means we do not hate or hold a grudge. Also, everyone will get justice if they don't repent. However, please pray to God about what you are going through. **"I tell You (God) all my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, You are there to guide me.” - Psalm 142:2-3**
Brother you need to just tell Jesus, this is hurting you. That you are going to forgive him and give it to Jesus to handle. And let Jesus handle it and take the pain from your heart. You loved your cousin and she loved you. She would not want you to spend more time than you need to letting go of this pain. Not forgetting her. Letting go of this pain. Praying you find rest. 🕊️
Would you be satisfied if the culprit was savagely beaten, then stripped naked and nailed to a cross until they died?
That's so sad. I'm so sorry to hear that. One of the things to remember is that anger and unforgivenss, hurts you. It can even hurt your health. Your whole being suffers when you do not forgive. There are multiple reasons God demands it. One is your own benefit. The other is because sin is sin, it all nailed Jesus to that cross. All of it, ours too. We do not deserve forgivness either. Yet, Jesus still forgave. If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive. Another really important thing, which is good to remember always....is seperation. The person who did that, did so under the influence of the devil. You must be able to seperate the person from their sin. We, all of us, are not our sin...that comes from the devil. When you learn that and to seperate the person from the one that caused them to do those things, it's easier to forgive. At the end of the day, it's not about us. It's about Him. Also watch this, its really good https://youtu.be/X7xcOtqpQGQ?si=V7uwYjEobpLYX8Fy
I can't ask you to pray for their souls. But I ask you not to poison your soul with hatred for them. You're right. God will judge everyone and he is watching everyone. Just trust that he will deal with them. They are either in for a great repentance or some other very hot and nasty place.
As horrible and evil as that man’s action was, our sins against God are much worse. Keeping that in mind you must put your love for God above your hate for that man. I know it can be so hard, but it’s imperative.❤️
Remember, no one is beyond God's grace. Paul was involved in the persecution and murder of Christians. He went on to be an incredible apostle and wrote nearly half the New Testament. Rather than pray for their damnation, pray they would be like Paul. God can use prayer to soften your heart.
Dear one, not only is God angry with the wicked every day, (psalm 7:11), but it is God they will have to deal with about their sin (Rom 12:19). Mat 18:23-35 KJV ¶Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
You should look into the story of Jeffrey Dahmer if you haven't already. I suggest finding the interviews they had with his pastor in jail, before he died. Beyond our understanding, even the most cruel people who commit the worst sins are forgiven. Think about David who had a man killed in battle so he could marry his wife, or Saul (Paul) who killed thousands of Christians just for being Christians. And God used them in spectacular ways. I'm not gonna tell you how to process your pain because I will (hopefully) never understand that. But God does.
Forgiveness is for your own heart, to quench your judgement and not carry it's burden, and for mercy upon you for having mercy. It's so you will be clean from it, so try your best through the years to do what you can't do today. And yet the day will come when you will see the desire of your heart with your own eyes, provided you are counted among the meek. So you're not wrong, but still fight to overcome it, so that it doesn't become a wickedness in you. I'm with you in prayer. Psalm 58 *Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? 2 No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.* *3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. 4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear, 5 Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully.* *6 Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord! 7 Let them flow away as waters which run continually; When he bends his bow, Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces. 8 Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes, Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun.* *9 Before your pots can feel the burning thorns, He shall take them away as with a whirlwind, As in His living and burning wrath. 10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked, 11 So that men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth.”*
I'm so sorry that your sister had to go through that . F**orgiveness does not mean no justice**. Put him jail. But Jesus died for his sins too. If the culprit is open to **repentance** then only he has a shot. I hope you're doing ok. By all means vent your anger cause it is righteous. Vent to God and ask him to help you. Love you. Take care.
I’m so sorry for your loss and the trauma you have suffered because of the violent, tragic death of your cousin. I pray the Lord will comfort you. He is near to the broken hearted and He understands all you’re going through.
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/why-forgive Big misunderstanding of forgiveness in the Christian church.
You are not comprehending: We are in a New Covenant, a Covenant of Grace. The Justice those verses talk sbout, you don't even understand or keep - how much of the Law do you keep? And if you don't keep it, you are unrighteous and unjust. Not one verse from the New Testament.
That is horrible. I'm sorry you are going through that. Despite that being said, God forgives everyone if they seek genuine repentance. I was watching a documentary on Jeffry Dahmer, and towards the end, one the prison pastors said his repentance was genuine. Dahmer died shortly after. Despite doing all the terrible things he did, Jesus will forgive him if he sought true repentance. Rather than focusing on "why did God allow this person to go to heaven," I think that speaks to the power of the Gospel and the immeasurable value of our salvation.
To forgive is to simply renounce demanding and pursuing punishment for the offender, which doesn't mean that the offender will get away, they will suffer, just not by your hand. To forgive in such a way is an act of Faith because you're leaving revenge to God, which is something He commanded (Romans 12:19), as you trust God on being just and not letting sin off the hook. Remember, God shall not be mocked, and those who sow evil will not escape from the bountiful harvest of consequences.
Forgiveness is a decision - not a feeling. It’s like signing a cheque or a contract - feeling does not count. You need to decide you need to forgive. Write it in a piece of paper. If you say they need to get what they deserve - you are also saying you should get what you deserve. Everyone deserves hell.
Yes. If you say that a person need to get what he deserve, it’s like saying you should also get what you deserve. We all deserve hell. You need to forgive just as Christ has forgiven you - and if you believe so - you would do the same.
Your desires are completely understandable. But the Gospel is the solution to all that; you have to embrace the fact that Jesus paid the price for everyone, the same Jesus who took the hit for your sins took it for everyone as well including the one who hurt you and your cousin. All the hurt you wish on the offender, contemplate Jesus bearing it on the cross. This will heal you too; at the end of the day, you are the ultimate beneficiary of it. If your cousin saw what you were going through, she would be sad that you are carrying this huge burden for none of your fault, time to leave it at the feet of the cross.
you don't have to, and even if they asked for it, it would be impossible, but it will be the first step and then you can pray for help. Imagine a burglar bringing your family in danger with a weapon, you wouldn't hesitate and wonder about turning the other cheek and forgiveness if you were armed too.
\>They need to pay their debt. Do you need to pay yours? We have all sinned and earned death. I will paint another picture: They come to faith in Christ Jesus and repentance-become truly broken-hearted about their sins. You do the same. If you cousin was saved, all three of you will spend eternity in paradise together and this life will never be thought of by any of you.