I am having a disagreement with a brother regarding the role of repentance in the transaction of forgiveness where there has been an offense. In Luke 17:3-4 Jesus commands: "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."Here is the difficulity: My brother believes that we only owe repentance to God when we sin, and never to one another, but I see here that the Lord requires repentance to complete the transaction of forgiveness and reconciliation where a brother has been trespassed against. My brother says that I am judging him by showing him his offense against me; I see here no other way to restore our relationship, which is broken over countless repeats of the same offenses. My chief desire is to restore our relationship. I know he realizes that what he is doing is wrong, because he hides it from other believers. I also know the scriptural protocol with this in Matthew 18:15-17. Honestly, I am wary to go that route as yet, but by not doing so, maybe I'm in disobedience.I have been hurt repeatedly, and needless to say, I no longer trust this brother. He says God made him this way, and that if God changes him it will take time. I so desire restoration! This is a family member, and we cannot glorify God in our family fully while this remains unresolved. I just need assurance that I am on the right track with this. Perhaps he is right and I am wrong. Please advise/instruct using scripture as your foundation of truth as you are led. Thanks.
It's my understanding that our forgivness towards others should not be conditional on their repentance, having said that however, I don't believe you can re-establish fellowship with a brother unless he has repented. So, you may (should) forgive him, even if he refuses to repent, but for God's sake and yours, spiritual fellowship should not be re-established without repentance. I don't have any scriptures at this time.Joe
Matt 18:21-35John 8:1-9 We cannot be the ultimate judge of our neighbor because we are as guilty as they are apart from the blood of Christ. Romans 12:19-21 We must leave all vengance and judgment up to the Judge of all the earth.1 Cor 5:1-13 2 Thess 3:14,15Forgivness is not conditional on repentance, but fellowship is.Galatians 6:1 James 5:19,20 Though fellwoship is conditional on repentance, ministering to the unrepentant is not.
Thanks for your inputs, they are very helpful and affirming, and I agree with you both. I still don't have the answer I'm seeking. Perhaps I should pose it as a question in light of all the other information I shared in regard to this thread.First, I agree that forgiveness is a commandment, and it is not conditional on repentance, but: Is it possible for an offender to receive that forgiveness apart from confession (to the one offended) and repentance? (See Matt5:23-24)I am disturbed that my brother and I are both believers, yet do not see this the same at all.