“God blesses those who are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
“Father…forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” – Matthew 6:12
Read Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18 restoration principles:
1. Go privately in person.
2. Speak with restoration as the goal.
3. Describe the sin and its harm.
4. Restore the relationship.
5. If unsuccessful, repeat with qualified help and restoration as the goal.
6. God loves people in unity.
7. God’s peace should be our purpose.
Here’s some additional thoughts and definitions:
God’s Forgiveness: a commitment to pardon graciously those who repent & believe so that they are reconciled to Him, made possible by Jesus our sacrificial Savior.
Forgive: to give up resentment of or claim to requital for, to grant relief from payment of, to cease to feel resentment against.
Forgiving: allowing room for error or weakness.
Apology: This is what I did that was wrong ___. I hear you that this is the harm it caused. I am sorry. Please forgive me. I make a commitment to not do that again, by the grace of God.
Repent – turn around in actions and attitude, to change behavior as a result of a complete change of thinking and attitude.
We’re saying, “I will not dwell on this incident, bring up this incident again and use it against you, talk to others about this incident, let this incident stand between us or hinder, our personal relationship.”
Why? “By making and keeping these promises, you can tear down the walls that stand between you and your offender. You promise not to dwell on or brood over the problem or to punish by holding the person at a distance. You clear the way for your relationship to develop unhindered by memories of past wrongs. This is exactly what God does for us, and it is what He calls us to do for others.”
How to respond to unrepentant?
Resolve to not take revenge.
Proactively show love.
God’s peace can bring each person to complete health.