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Daily Devotionals
Voice of the Lord
Rabbi, how often can my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? (Matthew 18:21-22)
There are two types of forgiveness taught in the Scriptures. Transactional forgiveness is intended to restore the relationship between the one who has seriously sinned and the one who has been wronged. The repentant one says, "I was wrong, will you forgive me?" He desires to make restitution and the relationship can be restored. This is the right way to deal with a relationship where wrong has been committed. Without repentance in such a situation, it would be inappropriate to overlook evil and maintain ongoing fellowship as if nothing happened.
Non-transactional forgiveness is the type reflected in the prayer of Yeshua on the tzlav (cross): "Father, forgive them; for they don't understand what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). When there is no possibility for an ongoing relationship, this type of forgiveness can free us from bitterness and the desire for revenge. This is especially helpful when the one who has wronged us is unreachable, even dead. We can practice this type of healing forgiveness as we identify with our crucified and risen Lord, God's Mashiach (Messiah).
...walk in forgiveness according to the teaching of God's Word.
DJ
The Voice of the Lord, Copyright © 1998 by the Lewis and Harriet Lederer Foundation, Inc. Published by Messianic Jewish Publishers, Distributed by Messianic Jewish Resources, www.messianicjewish.net. All rights reserved. Used by permission. No part of this article may be reproduced in print or on the web, or transmitted in any form, without the written permission of the publisher.
