The meaning of “forgiveness” as a sacred process in the life of Christian believers is the focus, today. The effect of forgiveness is like that of a guarantee or pledge; thus, the nature of forgiveness is promissory. Forgiveness expresses a commitment to continue in relationship, to endure all the difficulties that attend the process of crucial and gradual change, and to employ censure and criticism only for building and restoration. Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below: 2nd Peter 1: 2-4, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Also, Colossians 3: 12-15, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Pheby” (Level 6 with 22,621 points, a member since July 10, 2012) posted the following:
What is the point of the process of forgiveness instead just simply forget it and move on?
Does not it save time and effort as well as avoiding embarrassment? Is not it much efficient and logical?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7: 40-50, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Err is Human? (07/24/2015); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015); The Power of Forgiveness? (10/01/2014); No Divine Protection? (10/02/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Cleansing the Temple, and the Body (03/16/2014)
“Pheby”, among Christian believers forgiveness operates as an aspect of divine incarnation (GOD appearing within flesh and blood) and revelation as well as a sacred mechanism in judgment, reconciliation, and the transformation of mankind to live with divinity as an eternal companion. So to speak, divine forgiveness is intended to produce acknowledgment, reverence, and right worship. Because GOD is a spirit, a place where divinity also may abide and be regularly found includes the awareness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. The aspects of living relationship (e.g., compassion, confession, gratitude, humility, respect, sacrifice, unselfishness) are expressions of eternal purpose and divine will that make the active presence of divinity known and visible as closure, expectation (we say, hope), miracles (we say, sacred events), opportunity, possibility, praise, prayer, promise, prophecy, resolution, and trust. Consider, again, a few points from the holy writings:
(1.) Psalms 130: 3-7, King James Version (KJV): 3 If thou LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the LORD more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
(2.) Mark 11: 24-26, KJV: 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
(3.) Luke 17: 3-4, KJV: 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of you mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it many minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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