“If they repent, forgive” (Lk 17:3)
We all know the virtues of forgiveness. However, life is not so simple and any coin has two sides. Often we are forced to draw the line for bullies. The God of mercy who forgave Adam and Eve did not forgive Noah’s generation. Obviously He reached a breaking point when He said, “Enough is enough.” He wanted the Canaanites massacred. Solomon promised life for Adonijah if he proved himself a worthy man and sent him (1 Ki 1:52). But when he sought the hand of Abishag the Shunamite as wife, Solomon had him executed (1 Ki 2:25). He, Abiathar and Joab were a villainous trio and Adonijah’s request was the first step to usurp the kingdom. It was not out of personal enmity that Solomon put him to death but to protect the kingdom. Vasthi was rejected to protect the kingdom’s priciples (Esth 1:10).
God appointed Ben-Hadad king of Syria to utter destruction by Abab king of Israel. Ahab won the battle. But he forgave Ben-Hadad. It is awesome to read God’s anger dramatically enacted by a prophet for this act of kindness which any of us would have lauded (1 Ki 20:31-43). God punished Ahab for this act of forgiveness. Esther did not forgive Haman when he pleaded. We should not question the wisdom of God and try to be super holy.
Talking about offenses, Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6). So what do we do with people who lead young believers to sin? Forgive and spread a red carpet for them to damage more lives? Think.
Moreover, Jesus said if your BROTHER sins against you, confront him alone. If he repents forgive him. If he doesn’t come round, go with one or two. You give him another chance to feel sorry and repent. If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. If he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax-collector (Mt 18:15-17). So you see, forgiveness ceases to be a virtue at a certain point. Sin must be dealt with. If anyone runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ we are not to receive him into our house. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work (2 Jn 9-11). People who hinder the work of God must be mercilessly sidelined.
So, when there is a coin in your hand, look at both sides and make a wise decision.
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
“If they repent, forgive” (Lk 17:3)
We all know the virtues of forgiveness. However, life is not so simple and any coin has two sides. Often we are forced to draw the line for bullies. The God of mercy who forgave Adam and Eve did not forgive Noah’s generation. Obviously He reached a breaking point when He said, “Enough is enough.” He wanted the Canaanites massacred. Solomon promised life for Adonijah if he proved himself a worthy man and sent him (1 Ki 1:52). But when he sought the hand of Abishag the Shunamite as wife, Solomon had him executed (1 Ki 2:25). He, Abiathar and Joab were a villainous trio and Adonijah’s request was the first step to usurp the kingdom. It was not out of personal enmity that Solomon put him to death but to protect the kingdom. Vasthi was rejected to protect the kingdom’s priciples (Esth 1:10).
God appointed Ben-Hadad king of Syria to utter destruction by Abab king of Israel. Ahab won the battle. But he forgave Ben-Hadad. It is awesome to read God’s anger dramatically enacted by a prophet for this act of kindness which any of us would have lauded (1 Ki 20:31-43). God punished Ahab for this act of forgiveness. Esther did not forgive Haman when he pleaded. We should not question the wisdom of God and try to be super holy.
Talking about offenses, Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6). So what do we do with people who lead young believers to sin? Forgive and spread a red carpet for them to damage more lives? Think.
Moreover, Jesus said if your BROTHER sins against you, confront him alone. If he repents forgive him. If he doesn’t come round, go with one or two. You give him another chance to feel sorry and repent. If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. If he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax-collector (Mt 18:15-17). So you see, forgiveness ceases to be a virtue at a certain point. Sin must be dealt with. If anyone runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ we are not to receive him into our house. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work (2 Jn 9-11). People who hinder the work of God must be mercilessly sidelined.
So, when there is a coin in your hand, look at both sides and make a wise decision.
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
