Forgiveness

Christian Belief in Forgiveness:

Core Belief:

Forgiveness is a fundamental principle in Christianity, strongly emphasized by Jesus in his teachings. Christians are expected to forgive others, regardless of the offence, with the belief that God will forgive them in return.

Biblical Teachings:

The Lord's Prayer includes the petition:

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us,"

• This reflects the idea that forgiveness from God is linked to our willingness to forgive others.
• Jesus further reinforced this in response to Peter's question, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus replied, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times," indicating that forgiveness should be limitless.
• Additionally, Jesus' plea on the cross, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," exemplifies the profound nature of forgiveness even under extreme circumstances.

Practicing Forgiveness

Following Jesus' Example:

Christians believe they should follow the example of Jesus in their own lives, including the practice of forgiving those who have wronged them. This is seen as a key aspect of living a Christian life.

Judaism and Forgiveness:

In Judaism, forgiveness is seen as a process that requires the wrongdoer to show genuine remorse and directly ask for forgiveness from the victim before expecting to be forgiven by both the victim and God. While Christians do not believe this is necessary for forgiveness, they acknowledge that it is easier to forgive when the offender demonstrates a serious intention to repent and change their ways.

Reformation:

This belief underpins why many Christians support reformation as the primary aim of punishment. They believe that helping offenders to reform and start afresh aligns with the spirit of forgiveness that Jesus taught. However, Christians also recognize that forgiveness is not always easy, especially in the face of significant wrongdoing.

Challenges in Forgiving

Difficulties in Forgiveness:

Some Christians, particularly those who have been victims of very serious crimes, such as the murder of a family member, struggle to forgive and instead seek justice. This highlights the complexity and emotional difficulty of forgiveness.

Role of Prayer:

Prayer is often used by Christians as a way to seek God's help in forgiving others. Many believe that forgiveness is a divine quality to be emulated, although it can be difficult to practice, especially for those who have suffered severe wrongs. Despite the challenges, Christians are encouraged to forgive, recognizing that harbouring hatred can have a destructive impact on their lives.

Forgiveness in Other Religions

Religious Encouragement: Most religions, including Christianity, regard forgiveness as a quality of God that believers should strive to imitate. However, it is acknowledged that forgiveness is a personal decision and cannot be demanded of someone.

Support for Forgiveness: Religions typically urge individuals to forgive, recognizing the healing power of forgiveness, but they also understand that it can be incredibly difficult. Those who are able to forgive are often commended, while those who struggle to forgive are offered help and support.