Q39. Forgiveness

[Pastor Ralph]

Q39. (Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19; 13:4) Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other? Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing?

[Clelie]

Unforgiveness comes from a proud wounded spirit . There is no love for ennemies. Repaying evil for evil, seeking revenge are the marks of a proud person who can,t let go of any affront. 
 

personal forgiveness is letting God do the judgement.Some issues need to  be judged  in public prosecution. A judge or a panel of judges will determine according to the law how to execute punishment to the culprit. 

 

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q39. (Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19; 13:4)

Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other?

Unforgiveness has a negative side while humility has positive side. 

Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing?

At the personal level we are called to forgive. But at the judicial level, the judging and sentencing is in someone else's hands.

Justice includes fair investigation, evaluation by authorized judges and/or jurors, and a sentence according to law based on the findings. We are forgivers, not judges.

[George L]

Q39. (Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19; 13:4)

1. Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other? If I do not enter into forgiveness I am placing my self above them a prideful, better than position. A failing to acknowledge the tremendous price Christ oaid for my sins. Humility recognizes the mutual need for submission of our desires to Christs desire to work upon the heart of the one who wronged us.
2. Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing? Good order and discipline requires a society to maintain a standard of acceptable behavior. Crossing the line must be judged both on its effect in the wrong. But also on the continuance of such behavior upon the society itself. That is the responsibility upon us for placing proper value people in position to do this judging of transgressing the norms and standards.

[hanks]

Q39. (MATTHEW 5:38-39; ROMANS 12:19; 13:4) 
Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other? Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing? 
In unforgiveness there is a focus on self – the injustice done to us. Whereas in humility the focus is on God and others. This point of focus is not compatible with each other. On a personal level our desire should not be for vengeance but rather to love and forgive. Here only the Holy Spirit can give us the strength required. On a judicial level we should leave it to God to apply justice if needed. Vengeance is God's right, and we should not interfere with what is His right. He will repay at the proper time and in the proper manner. 
 

[Lisa Wolf]

Q39. (Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19; 13:4) Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other? Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing?

Unforgiveness and humility are incompatible because they are opposing.  Humility holds others in high regard; unforgiveness refuses to see another as a person with faults and foibles just as we are.  Jesus taught us to love even our enemies.  Personal forgiveness can be granted by us at any time we choose; however, sin has consequences.  If a person has done wrong, Romans 13:4&5 are still true, "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience."