Bible Discussion Thread

How does our Lord teach us to forgive people who have truly hurt you, and with malice. and knowledge, and purpose? What verse can I have that will make this doable for me?

You're Welcome.

God bless you.

Matthew 6:14,15, Mark 11:25,26, Luke 11:2-13,

However wisdom may teach us not to stay around it. Matthew 10:23, Matthew 2:13-16,

James 1:5,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Wanda

I used to have similar questions in the past, it's not easy, but we need to trust scripture, and as Suze had a great reply in that we should read the bible and use Jesus life and teachings as our perfect example, especially for what he did for us on the cross.

These are only a few verses that have brought comfort to me to help keep my life in perspective.

Philippians 2:5-11 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

Matthew 5:3-12 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."

Romans 12:16-21 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

God Bless

You asked for verses that will make forgiveness doable. The first is Mat. 18:21-35. It's the parable of the slave who owed his master 10,000 talents. The weight of a talent is close to 1 lb. To give perspective. If in gold, the national debt around 1960 was pretty close. For the average income, assuming no interest accrues, and a work period of 40 years, you'd have had to be born before Christ was and give every penny to be close. ( The word forgive means no red ink. No debt owed. Free and clear of all obligations and responsibility.) The king "forgave" the entire debt. All gone. All forgiven. Not a single dime to repay. Unfortunately, the forgiven slave either didn't understand the severity and extent of the debt he had and was forgiven for, or missed the mercy and cost to the king for absorbing such a loss to himself, because when a fellow slave who owed him 3 months wages was discovered, he had no mercy. He demanded his fellow slave pay back the rather substantial debt. (Three months wages lost would mean financial hardship for most families, for sure.) And when the slave could not pay and asked for mercy, he refused and threw him into prison until the could pay back all that was owed. If understand the severity of our debt to Christ, and that His extended "forgiveness" of that debt KILLED His Son to release us, and redeem us, and we see the truth and perspective that the severest debt others owe us for their crimes and sins against us is three months pay, Jesus says in Mat. 18:32-35, that our debts are reinstated in full as well. We will be,"Handed over to the torturers until we repay every penny." God does the exact same to everyone,"If they do not forgive your brother from your heart." Verse 35. " He who is forgiven much loves much. He who is forgiven little loves little" Luke 7:47 If we understand the forgiveness of God, the grace, the price to redeem us from our sins, the cost of our forgiveness, that Christ died on the cross for you. Forgivess is attainable

Dear Wanda , I believe that we have to read the Bible and learn from the lives of the people that we read about , especially of course , Jesus . Read all of the Bible to find out many great and powerful life lessons but pay particular attention to the Gospels and the life of and teachings of Jesus . He is our perfect example . He will teach you everything you need to know about love and forgiveness if you open your heart and mind to him . It can be very hard to forgive some one who has repeatedly hurt you badly , I know this , but you can do it , Jesus will show you how if you let him .

Hi Wanda.

Here's just my opinion, Hopefully others can help.

I believe it's prayer not a particular verse to meditate on is what's needed. However God may cause you to remember verse you have read or send a message or messenger to you, but I personally believe your focus should be on prayer and let God provide you the fruit needed for your request such as Forgiveness, Longsuffering, ect. these are things we can't manifest ourselves. I will say this, God knows what you need before you ask.

God bless.

This is very helpful, and has a peace full feeling. Thank you.

You're Welcome.

God bless you.