What If I Don’t Feel Forgiven? A Pastoral Letter
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“This dear saint expressed concern about the struggle to feel forgiven through a handful of thoughtful questions. How long should we feel bad about our sin after we’ve repented? If we don’t feel bad, is that a sign that we aren’t forgiven? How can I feel rightly about past sins without turning that feeling into the basis for my forgiveness?” - Cripplegate
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How Bitterness Can Consume You If You Don’t Let It Go
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“I’ve seen it a lot — church members who get angry at someone and then stay that way. I’ve seen people refuse to talk to each other at church, as if their silence is a godly adult reaction to disagreement. My heart breaks when I see such reactions because I’ve seen bitterness consume people for years.” - Chuck Lawless
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Ability to forgive strongly correlated with human flourishing: study
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“The latest installment of the State of the Bible report focuses on the Secure Flourishing Index, which measures individuals’ life satisfaction when it comes to happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue and close social relationships.” - CPost
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Can We Forgive When the Offender Doesn’t Repent?
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“Some theologians argue it’s wrong to forgive an impenitent offender, while others say it’s wrong not to. Let’s review the arguments for both options and see if we can find a solution.” - TGC
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To Forgive, or Not to Forgive?
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“what if someone knows they’ve wronged you, yet doesn’t ask your forgiveness. Surely that justifies holding a grudge! Doesn’t their refusal to repent legitimize my bitterness?” - BJU Seminary
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Is Forgiveness a Gift You Give Yourself?
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“Biblical forgiveness is a gift to the offender. We release another person’s debts for their sake and for Christ’s sake.” - CLeaders
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Yes, You Can Forgive Unilaterally
Dan Darling recently wrote a blog post on the topic of forgiveness. As usual with Darling, it’s thoughtful, clear, and helpful. I also agree with him. I want to expand a bit on why I believe he’s right, but first some background.
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What Forgiveness Is and Isn’t
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“It’s important for us to understand what is demanded of us in forgiveness. Forgiveness is not the same thing as reconciliation, which requires two parties willing to come together.” - Dan Darling
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When it comes to forgiveness, faith and science agree on the benefits
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“Across dozens of scientific studies in diverse contexts, the physical and mental health benefits of forgiveness have been validated.” - RNS
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