To let you know, when I post these Bible study topics, usually something has happened to get me to think about the subject. There is no format that I am using, other than I watch, read, or hear something that makes me wonder what God would do or have to say about the situation or subject. You can say it is one of the ways that really keeps me grounded and always seeking truth and answers from God. I am by no means a perfect person, Bible scholar or any expert on any of these topics. I am only trying to better my self in my Christian walk. Many times, the responses I get from the comments help me be more understanding and I very much appreciate everyone’s input.
I have been watching on Netflix the Jeffrey Dahmer story. When you watch a show like that, especially because these are factual events, it is easy for us to start labeling people as monsters and in disbelief of what they had done. But this got me thinking. Doesn’t God love him just as much as me? Is what Jeffery did, worse that what I have done in life. I have done many sins in my life. In Exodus, God gave us the ten Commandments. Jeffery committed murder. But I have lied, I have stolen and other things. In God’s eyes sin is sin. Only in our society did we start putting levels of sin. If I stole a penny or ten million dollars, didn’t I still steal. Yes, in God’s eyes. I did a little research in Jeffery while he was in prison. It is stated he became a born again Christian and was baptized. I really started to have compassion for him, understanding that God does love him just as much as he loves me, and I am sure God did forgive him just as he has forgiven me. So here are the thoughts. As I was reading about him, the word forgiveness kept coming up. If one of our family members would have been a victim of Jeffery, could we be able to forgive him as God can, will and has?
The Bible is full of forgiveness, but these verses stood out to me.
Matthew:6
(14)For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15)but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
After the Lord’s prayer, Jesus states it real clear that we are to forgive those who have done us wrong. Just as we were asking forgiveness for the things we have done wrong. The He goes on and says If we do not forgive those, neither will God forgive us. That is a pretty profound statement. Even though God loves us and gave us His son for our sins, we still actively have to take a part as our duty as Christians to be as Christlike as possible.
Matthew 18:21:22
(21)Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22)Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
It is pretty clear we are to continue to keep forgiving. Sometimes that is a hard pill to swallow, but it is commanded by God that we do that. Many times, I have heard people say "I can never forgive this person for what they have done.” That statement is as far from Christlike that you can get.
I started thinking of all the people that are incarcerated, and realize I am not a better person than them, yes, their crimes landed them in jail, but in God’s eyes we are equal. Jesus died for their sins just as he has died for mine. Jesus will forgive them just as he will forgive me. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Thoughts? Would love to hear what crosses your mind on this subject.
COMMENTS
[ posted by Evelyn, 10/23/2022 01:30 PM ]
Well it may seem hard to forgive at times, I know. I get those feelings too. I try to hold no ill will towards people sometimes. but we are human. God gave us these feeling, did he not? How are we to handle it? Pray for them? But you have a point there. It's very hard to forgive someone who does harm to others. but we are not their judge. God will sort them out in the end. Good topic Mike.
[ posted by Cindy, 10/27/2022 04:39 PM ]
[ posted by Priscilla, 10/27/2022 05:29 PM ]