Can we truly forgive...........?

[andy]

Anyone with even a casual knowledge of scripture knows we are commanded to forgive those who do us wrong. There is no argument concerning this biblical truth.:):

My question is: Can we truly forgive those who wrong us? Do we actually have the ability to do so?

OR

Can we only truly forgive through the power of Christ who dwells in us?

I know that in my own case, I cannot forgive on my on accord or will. I can only forgive through Jesus who gives me the ability to forgive.

Am I wrong to be this way? Should my act (s) of forgiveness be second nature as a believer OR is the ability and power to truly forgive only available through Jesus?

I respectfully ask for your opinions and any personal examples you wish to share.

Thank you and God bless.:wave

[HeIsEnough]

Should my act (s) of forgiveness be second nature as a believer OR is the ability and power to truly forgive only available through Jesus?


In my opinion, your 'second nature' is now in communion with His, so yes (both). Our first natures may be able to, to some extent, but the human nature is rarely truly forgiving, and is on the lookout for revenge quite often. Crucify it. I believe the admonishments by Christ to forgive in the gospels, had the Comforter being sent in mind.

[andy]

In my opinion, your 'second nature' is now in communion with His, so yes (both). Our first natures may be able to, to some extent, but the human nature is rarely truly forgiving, and is on the lookout for revenge quite often. Crucify it. I believe the admonishments by Christ to forgive in the gospels, had the Comforter being sent in mind.


Hello James

Thanks for your response. I know that my spirit is in communion with Jesus through the Holy Spirit, however to be honest my level of submission is not what it should be. I know that my "nature" has been changed, but elements of the old man still cling to me.

I know on my own I have no power or ability but through Christ I can do all things.

:wave

[HeIsEnough]

Hello James

Thanks for your response. I know that my spirit is in communion with Jesus through the Holy Spirit, however to be honest my level of submission is not what it should be. I know that my "nature" has been changed, but elements of the old man still cling to me.

Shalom Andy.

Me too. I have quite a ways to go on that, in my estimation. Jesus was perfect at it, and it has really helped me along the way to study His own example. It may be better to say both natures reside at once within a believer. The new man, the new spiritual body created by God upon our birth in the Spirit. And the old man, the nature we are born with. Said as 'born of water and Spirit' in the scriptures.

We can only crucify and 'beat down' that old man, he is corrupted and cannot change, imo. I know recently, my pastor has been giving sermons , sort of stating that God changes our "nature". I don't believe that to be so, else why create something new? Don't really want to ask him why he is stating it like that though.


I know on my own I have no power or ability but through Christ I can do all things.


We have victory through the Lord Jesus!

[andy]

HIE "We have victory through the Lord Jesus!"


Amen!!:nod :clap

[Heavensent]

Speaking from personal experience I can say that without fully realizing the forgiveness I was given through Christ I was unable to forgive my mother for leaving us. I spent 30+ years bitter and unforgiving until God showed me the way and why I needed to forgive her.
Having an unforgiving heart does much more damage to yourself than the person which you need to forgive. God led me to a little book with a story I needed to hear. Because of Him I forgave my mother and our relationship began to heal. I have a better relationship with her than I've ever had and I have God to thank for it. :D:

[andy]

Speaking from personal experience I can say that without fully realizing the forgiveness I was given through Christ I was unable to forgive my mother for leaving us. I spent 30+ years bitter and unforgiving until God showed me the way and why I needed to forgive her.
Having an unforgiving heart does much more damage to yourself than the person which you need to forgive. God led me to a little book with a story I needed to hear. Because of Him I forgave my mother and our relationship began to heal. I have a better relationship with her than I've ever had and I have God to thank for it. :D:


Praise God for the restoration between your mother and you. :clap