The Fundamentals of Forgiveness, Part 1

Do we forgive too easily or do we grudgingly withhold it from those who should have it? What is the basis of forgiveness? Is it the sincerity of the one seeking forgiveness which determines the validity of their claim upon it, or is there some other basis? What if a person trespasses against me and does not ask to be forgiven? Am I still required to forgive them? Should I forgive the mass-murderer who killed innocent and defenseless school children I don't know, never met, and who live on the other side of world? What should I do if I confront someone who has trespassed against me and they dismiss me and the offence? Should I forgive them anyway? Are the rules different if I am dealing with a believer or an unbeliever? Should I simply ignore the hurts someone intentionally inflicts on me? Should I ignore the hurts someone unintentionally inflicts on me? What should I do if I don't feel like forgiving someone? Are these questions valid, or is this "much ado about nothing?" It may seem like hyperbole to assert that these questions merely touch the surface of the biblical doctrine and practice of forgiveness, but they do. Today, we begin an investigation of what the Scriptures teach. You should be prepared to be challenged. – Pastor Schlegel