FOCUS ON THE SCRIPTURES.COM

FOCUS ON THE SCRIPTURES

January 03, 2000

Revised: January 07, 2003, March 27, 2003, & April 12, 2003

THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS - FORGIVENESS

FOCUS ON THE SCRIPTURES "SM"

Regarding those doctrines that undermine the teachings of Jesus; Christians are to be bound by conscience to vigorously reject doctrines based on suppositions and/or inferences, and taught as the word of God, when, in truth and in fact, they are the teachings of men. The doctrines of men are not to be substituted for the teachings of Jesus.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, Indeed, has God said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden. And the woman said to the serpent, From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die. And the serpent said to the woman, You surely shall not die. For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:1-5 NASB). And we all know the end of the story - GOD SAID WHAT HE MEANT AND MEANT WHAT HE SAID. So we see, from the very beginning, that Satan; the father of lies, the devil, that old serpent, has been saying that God did not say what He meant and did not mean what He said. And today we are hearing the same old devil's lies, and unfortunately, as with Adam and Eve, many are believing the devil's lies to their own detriment and to the detriment of those that are influenced by them.

We are being told, in our day, that we should ignore the teachings of Christ, and follow the teachings of men, that are based on inferences, regarding a whole range of subjects, including this subject of Forgiveness.

Let us direct our attention to the words of the original writings that are translated forgive. Our focus is on the 3 Greek word pictures as follows: 1. apoluo that is translated 69 times in the KJV; 17 times as release, 14 times as put away, 13 times as send away, 13 times as let go, 2 times as set at liberty, 2 times as dismiss, 1 time as divorce, 2 times as loose, 1 time as depart and 1 time as forgive. 2. aphiemi that is translated 146 times in the KJV; 52 times as leave, 47 times as forgive, 14 times as suffer, 8 times as let, 6 times as forsake, and 1 time each as let have, send away, omit, let be, yield up, send away, lay aside, let go, cry, 2 times as remit, and 2 times as put away. 3. charidzomai that is translated 23 times in the KJV; 11 times as forgive, 6 times as give, 2 times as freely give, 2 times as deliver, 1 time as grant, and 1 time as frankly forgive.

Jesus said: "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14-15 NASB).

Jesus said: "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions" (Mark 11:25 NASB).

Jesus said: "When you pray, say -- And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us" (Luke 11:4 NASB).

"Then Peter came and said to Him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him: I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22 NASB).

"And He said to His disciples: It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him: and if he repents forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times saying I repent, forgive him" (Luke 17:1-4 NASB).

The English word forgive in the foregoing passages translates the Greek word picture aphiemi. This word is defined by Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon as follows: to send from one's self. 1. to send away; a. to bid go away or depart; b. to send forth, yield up, emit; c. to let go, let alone, let be; d. to let go, give up, a debt, by not demanding it, i.e. to remit, forgive; e. to give up, keep no longer.

If we believe that Jesus understood the meaning of the words He spoke, and if we believe that He selected the appropriate words to convey the meaning He intended to convey, then we must conclude that He expressed His will that those who choose to be guided by His teachings are to respond, to the injustices of others, in forgiveness, without condition, by unloading the hurts, as opposed to storing them up. In loving and forgiving others unconditionally, those who practice the teachings of Jesus receive fully God's divine gift of forgiveness which brings inner healing and they experience the inner calm and peace that comes from freeing themselves from the exceedingly harmful effects of holding grudges, resentment, bitterness and ill-will towards others. In addition to the foregoing, and according to recent medical studies, they experience substantial improvements in physical health and well-being. They will experience the benefits in this life and in the life to come. Those who withhold forgiveness and make forgiveness dependent upon another's repentance set themselves up as the victim, not just once but twice.

Even when it is pointed out to some of those who teach others to withhold forgiveness, and then make forgiving others dependent upon repentance, that the word picture aphiemi, translated forgive, means literally to send from one's self and thus the meaning of the word itself is inconsistent with their teaching, yet, they would have us believe that Jesus did not say what He meant and He did not mean what He said. They suggest that Luke 17-1-4 teaches that Christians are not to forgive, except, and only if the offending party comes to them in repentance. And that all of the other passages, including the teachings of the Apostle Paul and other New Testament writers that teach forgiveness, are to be understood accordingly, regardless of the words used to express the ideas intended to be conveyed and the meanings of the words. They refer to this as harmonizing, which is a good-sounding word, but when used as a devil-inspired spin, it's effect is to suggest that Jesus did not say what He meant and did not mean what He said.

Many of us have been under the influence of Satan’s erroneous views and principles, regarding this subject of forgiveness as well as others, without perceiving, designing or intending it. Consider these words from the Apostle Peter: "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:13-16 NASB). Is this a serious issue? You bet your eternal life it is.

Jesus did not teach to forgive only if. The teaching of Jesus, in the original language in these referenced passages is absolutely clear and the devil's lie is that Jesus did not say what He meant and did not mean what He said. Same old devil's lie, a damnable heresy, exceedingly hurtful to those who teach it and to those who follow their teaching, not to mention their children and their children's children. I urge you to reject this teaching and simply believe Jesus.

Jesus said: "and why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?" And what did He say? And Jesus said: "forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions" (Mark 11:25 NASB). And Jesus also said: "For if you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14-15 NASB). How can it be any plainer than that?

What did Jesus mean when he said aphiemi? This is the word translated forgive in the foregoing and referenced scriptures. I have previously mentioned that ‘Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon’ defines the Greek word picture aphiemi as follows: "To send from one's self." Reference is often made to Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon to support the meaning of the English transliteration "baptism" as immersion. Why not accept Thayer's, definition of aphiemi - forgive? Aphiemi is a compound of two words apo and iemi. Apo means forth from, away from, and iemi means one's self. Did Jesus understand the meaning of the word He used that is translated, forgive? Of course He did. He was God incarnate. Are we to believe the teachings of Jesus or the teachings of men? I choose to believe Jesus and I urge you to believe the teachings of Jesus.

When we exercise the moral response of forgiving (aphiemi) the injustices of others, we release ourselves from the hold that another's injustices have over us. As we practice the (aphiemi) forgiving of others we are able to unload these emotional burdens, some of which can be exceedingly burdensome. When one forgives, as here taught by Jesus, one discovers the peace of mind and heart that comes from changing one's own self in this respect. Try it, you will feel better about yourself, it works.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was YOU.

Let me make it absolutely clear that aphiemi forgiving, is not condoning; it is not absolution; it is not excusing; it is not condemning; and it is not seeking justice. It is a conscious response to an injustice, actual or perceived. It is releasing yourself of the stress and trauma of being bitter and feeling that you are unable to be forgiving towards others. It is the foregoing of resentment or revenge and it is putting into practice the following: "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:17-18 NASB).

Jesus said: "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10 NASB). I urge you to follow the teaching of Jesus and practice aphiemi forgiveness. I urge you to follow the teaching of Jesus as delivered by the Apostle Paul: "so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Experience the peace and abundant life that comes with freedom from anger, bitterness and resentment.

Jesus said: "When you pray, say -- And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us" (Luke 11:4 NASB). For we ourselves also (aphierni), forgive everyone, who is indebted to us. Not just a very few but everyone who is indebted to us. I choose to believe that Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said. Jesus said: "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. For I did not speak on my own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak" (John 12:48-49 NASB). How can it be any plainer than that?

"Then Peter came and said to Him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive (aphiemi) him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him: I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22 NASB). Is there a question in this passage of whether your brother deserves to be forgiven? Absolutely not - no such reference. It is, however, a question of how often is one to sweep one's own house, so to speak, and clear one's own self of any one brother's injustices as we care for our bodies, the dwelling place of the Spirit of Christ. Forgiveness means that we have chosen to follow the teachings of Jesus. We have decided to not let bitterness keep festering inside our physical body, the temple of the Holy Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB). Even if your brother sins against you and continues to sin against you; Jesus said: "Forgive (aphiemi) him up to seventy times seven." There is nothing unclear in this passage. The question really is: Are we going to follow the teachings of Jesus?

Since it is a matter of choice, as the meaning of aphiemi (forgiveness) suggests, as to what one does with the inner feeling of hurts and pains brought about as the result of the injustices of others, why not Forgive and Live according to the teachings of Jesus?

I urge you to move beyond the regions and reactions of bitterness and resentment for your own physical health and spiritual well-being. I urge you to say to the old issues, even the deepest resentments that are wrapped up in a lot of hurt and pain: Depart from me, go away, leave me alone, I am letting them go, I am canceling them, I am abandoning these reactions, I give them up and I will keep these hurts and pain no longer. I now understand clearly, that the teaching of men that suggests that Jesus did not mean what He said and did not say what He meant is the same old devil's lie.

Thanks to the teachings of Jesus, I now understand what it is all about, and I will have nothing more to do with bitterness, anger and resentment because I have chosen to replace these awful and sinful reactions with kindness, tender-heartedness and graciously and freely forgiving others as clearly taught by the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 4:32 NASB).

Forgiveness, practiced in all circumstances according to the teachings of Jesus is life challenging as well as life transforming and life supporting, even in the most difficult of situations. Enmity lies in the heart; it is deep and malignant and if allowed to remain will spread.

Even when faced with the most difficult of situations, Jesus said: "forgive" (aphiemi). This is illustrated in the following passage from the Gospel of Luke: And He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him: and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying I repent, forgive him" (Luke 17:14 NASB). In this passage we are dealing with an entirely different set of circumstances than those referred to in Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4 and Matthew 18:21-22. In these four scripture references, reconciliation is not an issue; no reference is made to reconciliation. Whereas, in the first instance where aphiemi forgiving is mentioned in Luke 17:1-4; reconciliation is suggested. We must understand this important difference! And it is important, also, that we refer to and define the Greek word pictures here used to convey the ideas intended to be conveyed.

It is important to note that it was early in His ministry that Jesus taught His disciples the absolute importance of aphiemi forgiving, of everyone indebted to them, without condition, and if they had anything against anyone (Luke 11:4 and Mark 11:25 NASB). By the time, much later in His ministry, that the events of Luke 17:14 are taking place, the disciples, with the teachings of Jesus firmly etched in their minds, are practicing aphiemi forgiving in accordance with their previous instructions. This is seen clearly in the discourse recorded in Matthew 18:21-22 where Jesus said to forgive your brother up to seventy times seven, an expression that suggests an unlimited number of times, without condition. They still remember the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:14-15. "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."

McGarvey And Pendleton's The Fourfold Gospel says: "Those who cause the weak to lapse into unbelief through their ecclesiastical arrogance have a heavy reckoning for which to answer." As mentioned above; Luke 17:14 anticipates the reconciliation with a brother that has been censured. In this connection, it is important to note that reconciliation is two parties coming together in mutual respect, and it takes both parties. Where reconciliation is anticipated, aphiemi forgiving is an absolutely necessary component and to be practiced according to the teachings of Jesus. However, aphiemi forgiving is to be practiced, as noted above, by those who follow the teachings of Jesus, in all events; including those in which reconciliation is not anticipated or not possible, due to the circumstances. There are many cases where an anticipated outcome of reconciliation is not achieved regardless of the well-intentioned or not so well-intentioned efforts, on the part of one or both parties, to bring it about. The offending party may not be alive. One may not even know the person responsible for a particular injury as a result of an injustice that is etched in their brain's memory cells. The event may have even occurred when they were infants. The possibilities are endless. But, we can rest assured, in spite of those who would teach otherwise, that the best course to follow for the injured person's physical life as well as that person's spiritual life, is to practice the teachings of Jesus as regards aphiemi forgiving.

Is it reasonable that a Christian, a follower of Jesus, should be required to exist in a perpetual, as well as an eternal, state of bondage, without possibility of relief, due to the actions of an offending party? If a person believes and practices the devil's lie; that, it is wrong to practice forgiveness in the absence of the return and repentance of the offender, this person has created an perpetual state of bondage, where Satan and his coworkers surely have the most fertile of fields. The practical effect of not forgiving others, unless and until, they come in repentance, asking for forgiveness, is to place the offended party in this perpetual state of bondage. Many have no idea that their behavior, or demeanor, or whatever they said or did was offensive or could or should have been perceived as such. The chances that this person would approach the offended party, repentant and seeking forgiveness, is very remote indeed. The chances that a person, who intentionally offends another, will approach the offended party in repentance seeking forgiveness is, also, very remote indeed. So, if one believes that it is wrong to practice forgiveness in the absence of another's repentance, then such an offended person will remain in bondage to the hurts and pains and thus be perpetually injured, both as to physical well-being as well as spiritual well-being. What a devils lie! I urge you to reject this teaching.

Following His comments suggesting that serious consequences would be the result of causing one of these little ones to stumble, Jesus said: "Be on your guard" (Luke 17:3 NASB). The Greek word picture prosekete, translated Be on your guard, is the 2nd person, plural, present tense, imperative mood of proseko, a commandment, and is translated take heed to yourselves in the KJV. Jesus said: "If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him (Luke 17:3 NASB)." The Greek word picture epitimeson, translated rebuke is the 2 person, singular, aorist 1, imperative mood of epitimao, a commandment. Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon says that epitimao means: "l. to show honor to, to honor. And, that meta-noeo means: to change one's mind. i. e. to repent." And regarding ean, the conjunction is translated "if" and used with the subjunctive to denote what is expected to occur, under certain circumstances, from a given standpoint in the present, either general or specific. The Greek word picture aphasia translated forgive is the 2 person, singular, aorist 2, imperative mood of aphiemi, a commandment. Jesus said: "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, I repent, forgive him" (Luke 17:4 NASB). The Greek word picture legon, translated saying, is the nominative, singular, masculine, present active participle, of lego, which means to speak or to say. The Greek word picture metanoo translated repent is the lst person, singular, present, indicative of metanoeo, the meaning of which is referred to above. The Greek word picture apheseis in Luke 17:4 translated forgive is the 2nd person, singular, future, indicative, active of aphiemi, previously referred to.

So what do we have? To disciples who have long been practicing unconditional aphiemi forgiving, according to the teachings of Jesus, Jesus says: "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble." (Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were punished by such millstone drowning). "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him: and if he repents forgive him." As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, this concept of reproving one's brother is in a spirit of honoring him and his change of mind (repentance) is anticipated in the Greek word picture employed to convey the idea intended to be conveyed. Jesus said: "aphasia," a clear commandment to forgive the brother. But suppose the brother sins against you seven times a day and returns to you seven times simply saying my mind is changed. I would think, after the second or third slap on the face, in the same day, or at least the fourth or fifth slap on the face in the same day, or surely the sixth or seventh slap on the face by the same person, during the same time frame, that one would realize the difference between a changed mind, in fact and in truth, and one who simply says my mind is changed. His actions betray his speech. Jesus said: "You will know them by their fruits." But what is one to do in such a case? Store up the hurts? Keep in one's self the grudges? Retain bitterness and resentment? Hold inside one's own self ill-will towards another person because of that person's, actual or perceived, improper behavior or injustice? Jesus said: "apheseis" forgive him. How can it be any plainer than that?

I have addressed the issue of the health benefits of forgiveness in some detail in The Marks of a Christian. The multiple physical and mental health benefits experienced by those who obey the teachings of Jesus, as respects forgiving others, are simply staggering. This is clearly shown in ongoing, scientifically controlled, medical research studies in several universities. In The Marks of a Christian I mentioned the ongoing forgiveness research at the University of Wisconsin and that the research may be as important to the treatment of emotional and mental disorders as the discovery of sulfa drugs and penicillin were to the treatment of infectious diseases." Why? The forgiver discovers the paradox of forgiveness: as we give to others the gifts of mercy, generosity and moral love, we ourselves are healed.

In aphiemi forgiving others, Christians are responding in their heart and freeing themselves from the incredibly toxic and exceedingly harmful effects of holding grudges, resentment, bitterness, malice and ill-will towards others. They are putting off the old self, and, they are clearing themselves of the effects of the biochemical correlates of these debilitating and sinful emotions. They are experiencing the miracle of forgiveness, and, they are experiencing the joy and peace that surpasses understanding that comes only from following the teachings of Jesus. Released from such awful bondage, Christians are free. They have been given the opportunity to help others.

Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful. for they shall receive mercy" (Matthew 5:7 NASB).

Jesus said: "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16 NASB).

The Greek word picture apoluete is the 2nd person, plural, present tense, active voice, imperative mood of apoluo and is translated forgive in Luke 6:37 in the King James Version and pardon in the New American Standard Bible. Jesus said: "And do not pass judgement and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon (apoluete, a commandment), and you will be pardoned" (Luke 6:37 NASB). Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon says that apoluo means: "to loose from, sever by loosing, undo; 1. to set free. 2. to let go, dismiss. 3. to let go free, to release."

Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matthew 5:7 NASB). Jesus said: "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28 NASB). Christians are to forgive those who do all manner of evil things against them, even those who steal from them, or lie to them, or injure them in any way, even seriously, or break their heart, or say all manner of evil things about them. "Not a new commandment, but the one which we have heard from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world" (2 John 5-7 NASB). The following inspired comments from the pen of the Apostle John are of extreme importance; writing in 1 John he says: "The one who says, I have come to know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4-5 NASB). Our focus is on the teachings of Jesus. Serious issue? You bet your eternal life it is.

The Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Stanford University; views forgiveness as very important to mental health. They conclude forgiveness isn't giving in to another person, it's getting free of that person. They give their students specific tools and techniques to explore the pain inside them; hurt they've had from other people, and the ability to forgive, as they take their students on a journey toward inner peace. They describe a place of peace and calm inside everyone. They teach that forgiveness is the constant return to the peaceful center inside youand that hurt takes us away from that center. If you want to learn how your feelings can affect your physical and emotional health, in ways that can heal or hurt you, there is an open invitation to participate in the Stanford Training in Health and Healing Research Program styled: The Art and Science of Forgiveness.

Research based on controlled studies has recently shown that forgiveness training can be effective in reducing hurt and stress. This can have important implications for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.

The need for forgiveness emerges from a body of work demonstrating harmful effects of anger and hostility on health.

Those who are familiar with the teachings of Jesus will remember that it was reported in the Gospel Of John that Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32 NASB).

Professionals have observed from clinical practice that clients who were able to forgive saw improvement in psychological and sometimes physical health. Many sources suggest that forgiveness can lead to decreased anger, depression and anxiety, and stress, as well as enhanced well-being, including peace of mind. All of the relevant research regarding forgiveness has been completed in the scientific community within the last ten years or so. A three-credit independent learning course, The Psychology and Education of Forgiveness, is being offered by the University of Wisconsin - Madison. This course is the result of work in a seminar in the Department of Educational Psychology. Every Friday morning since the early 1980's, professors, graduate and undergraduate students, and community members have convened to discuss, read about, present research on, address clinical issues about, and debate topics related to interpersonal forgiveness. In this connection, it is important to note that for nearly 2000 years The Teachings Of Jesus have been and are replete with mentions of forgiveness, examples of forgiveness, and exhortations to forgive.

Interestingly, forgiveness can only occur because we have the ability to make choices."

The following comments mentioned in The Marks of a Christian deserve to be repeated here. "In loving and forgiving others, Christians walk with God and receive fully God's divine gift of forgiveness which brings inner healing and according to recent medical studies substantial improvements in physical health and well-being, The health benefits of forgiveness are enormous.

It was Mahatma Ghandhi who said: "If we practice an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, soon the whole world will be blind and toothless. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

Henry Ward Beecher said: "I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it can never be shown against one."

C. H. Spurgeon said: "you forgive me, and I forgive you, and we forgive them, and they forgive us, and so a circle of unlimited forbearance and love goes around the world."

Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:38-45 NASB).

The Apostle Paul wrote these words: "Bless those who persecute you, bless and curse not. --- Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:14, 17-18 NASB).

Forgiveness is a choice and the Christian chooses the peace of mind and heart that surpasses comprehension, that comes from obeying the teachings of Jesus, over the toxic biochemical correlates and debilitating effects of the remembrances of anger and resentment. "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord" (Rornans 12:19 NASB).

Christians are not to react in vengeance when mistreated; they are not to be bitter, angry, unforgiving and carrying grudges, regardless of what so and so said or did.

The Greek word picture charidzomenoi from charidzomai is translated forgiving in Ephesians 4:32, and its meaning according to Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon: "to do something pleasant or agreeable [to one], to do a favor to, gratify."

It is important to note that the Apostle did not say that one should harbor and control the sinful reactions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander. The commandment is very clear.

The English word all translates the Greek word pasa which means: all of every kind, not some. The English expression put away translates the Greek word picture artheto which means: to take away, remove, destroy, kill. This is a command of the aorist tense and the passive voice and is a command to remove and replace, not to harbor and control these sinful reactions. As we put away these hurts and pains, we are practicing the teachings of Jesus as respects aphiemi forgiving, By obeying this commandment, we experience the release and good-feeling that comes about as a result of the absence of the toxic biochemical correlates of these awful sinful reactions. And, further, because we have stopped grieving the Holy Spirit of God, our spiritual outlook is changed, and we are now in a better position to attempt reconciliation with others and thus obey the teachings of Jesus as regards this most important subject.

Reconciliation needs also to be addressed, at some length, in a separate writing.

We are practicing aphiemi forgiving as we obey the commandment to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, and charidzomai graciously and freely forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. How can it be any plainer than that!

May God help each one of us to believe and practice the teachings of Jesus, in truth and in love, and all the more as we see the day approaching.

Jim Davis

E-mail: jamesdavis@focusonthescriptures.com

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"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE™,  © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation  Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

© 2000, 2003 by James S. Davis. All rights reserved.