Undoubtedly in your ministry, you’ve encountered people who hold on to grudges tightly or who are embroiled in conflict. In these cases, forgiveness must be a key focus of your pastoral care. But how do you explain the biblical concept of forgiveness? As a Christian, your starting point is different from what we hear in the wider secular culture. Intentionally seeking and granting forgiveness is first and foremost about the glory of God. As we humble ourselves to His will and seek to imitate Him in our relationships with others, forgiveness serves as the foundation upon which relational and emotional healing may take place.
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he signs against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:3-5 ESV)
As you work with people to resolve their conflicts biblically, it’s helpful to clarify what biblical forgiveness is and is not. Here are some common myths about forgiveness.
Myth 1: Working through negative emotions must come before forgiving
Most psychological models of
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