Matthew 6:12-15 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. … (14) "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (15) But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Luke 6:35-37 “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the unthankful and evil. (36) Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (37) "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
The principle of forgiveness toward unbelievers is very simple. The Lord’s saints are instructed to forgive them whenever they sin against us. Unlike believers, where the saint has the option to withhold forgiveness from their brother who is unrepentant of their wrong doing, that principle does not apply toward unbelievers. In other words, unbelievers are not required to ask for forgiveness before the believer extends forgiveness to them. On three separate occasions as quoted above, our Lord Jesus reinforced the truth that His saints are to forgive unbelievers unreservedly. For in each passage quoted, our Lord Jesus is referring to forgiveness extended by His saints toward unbelievers. For He speaks of men (Matthew 6:14), anyone (Mark 11:25) and our enemies (Luke 6:35).
Romans 12:17-21 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. (18) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (19) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. (20) Therefore "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The reason that the Lord’s saints are to forgive unbelievers unreservedly when they sin against us is revealed in the above quoted passage of scripture. We are to give place to the Lord’s wrath, for vengeance belongs to Him and Him alone.
Michael E.B. Maher
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