Forgive How Many Times ?

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BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,034
4,456
113
#21
Amen praying and forgiving others before God is important also it helps change our heart about forgiveness if we do it in prayer forst it helps
Further more if we find ourselves not able to forgive because of pain and hurt God will help us to forgive.

The Holy Spirit will heal us as a result.
 
Aug 4, 2021
586
185
43
#22
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36-37‬ ‭

What if God was trying to teach you that principle ? If you believed him you can know your going to not be condemned come the day you have to do this

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

you want to go there with his word telling you your not going to be judged and condemned

And the way to secure that is to believe him and have faith that he is the one Gid sent to save us
I have dropped the hate, but I will not lie to God, because you cannot fool God. He reads our hearts in the judgement, we cannot fool him with our words. So, if I got the question, have you forgiven this and that person, I have to be honest and tell him what is true in my heart. And that is, that I only forgive one person in person. The others I do not bother with. And just cut from my life, and feel nothing about. I cannot go on a forgive tour, and forgive the ones that bullied me when I was 12. I cannot find the one guy who robbed me while claiming to have a knife at my back, I do not know who it is even. And I have not forgiven that. It was the job of choice, and I will not forgive that person for choosing such a job. Probably robbed 500 others, and possibly stabbed people too. Only God can forgive that. I can just accept that it is just a story of my life, and do not have a feeling about it anymore, despite it giving me PTSD like symptoms afterwards for some time. So, for me, I forgive those I can in my life, and the ones not in my life, I do not have a feeling about. I have a few in my life that I used to hate, but do not hate now, but I will not forgive. If I claimed to have done it, it would be lying to God. I have to go with my heart on the matter, not saying you cannot do it. Just saying it becomes an impossible wall to climb for many people that are good people who went through extremes that 99% of people could no overcome. I believe they have a path too.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#23
Further more if we find ourselves not able to forgive because of pain and hurt God will help us to forgive.

The Holy Spirit will heal us as a result.
yes indeed , when we hear the gospel he’s able to heal
And change things that keep us bound like unforgiveness it’s what it’s all about in every area just what you said there

when we begin learning the gospel we’re not capable of doing it all
But his healing comes along with it and spits our growth gently and with patience knowing each one as he does he knows how to teach even the stubborn like myself in many areas and then another great step of faith it becomes evident and we’re being healed more and we are truly being redeemed by the lord
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#24
I have dropped the hate, but I will not lie to God, because you cannot fool God. He reads our hearts in the judgement, we cannot fool him with our words. So, if I got the question, have you forgiven this and that person, I have to be honest and tell him what is true in my heart. And that is, that I only forgive one person in person. The others I do not bother with. And just cut from my life, and feel nothing about. I cannot go on a forgive tour, and forgive the ones that bullied me when I was 12. I cannot find the one guy who robbed me while claiming to have a knife at my back, I do not know who it is even. And I have not forgiven that. It was the job of choice, and I will not forgive that person for choosing such a job. Probably robbed 500 others, and possibly stabbed people too. Only God can forgive that. I can just accept that it is just a story of my life, and do not have a feeling about it anymore, despite it giving me PTSD like symptoms afterwards for some time. So, for me, I forgive those I can in my life, and the ones not in my life, I do not have a feeling about. I have a few in my life that I used to hate, but do not hate now, but I will not forgive. If I claimed to have done it, it would be lying to God. I have to go with my heart on the matter, not saying you cannot do it. Just saying it becomes an impossible wall to climb for many people that are good people who went through extremes that 99% of people could no overcome. I believe they have a path too.
I hear you brother and I’ve been in places like that myself but the thing is believing Jesus is the way to let our faith become active

if you will let his teachings into your heart his words about forgiving others he will change the issues he will breakdown the wall . If we don’t believe him of course it’s not going to help , but if we let the truth in about forgiveness he’s perfectly able to bring us to repentance regarding any matter unforgiveness being an essential one

when you pray start asking God to forgive anyone who has wronged you or insulted you ask him to not hold anything against anyone on your account . I am as imperfect as anyone else but one thing I’m sure of is if we let the living word of God into our faith in our mind and heart , it doesn’t rest without effect , it has this very important effect just by hearing and accepting it

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so all I can say is I never meant to argue with you or cause any sort of grief I was just sharing something with you that I myself have found to be the answer in every area we struggle in life including if we aren’t able to forgive people

I would only ask you to consider this and let it rest in you somewhere

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Begin between you and the lord and he’ll fix the issue
 
O

Omegatime

Guest
#25
In any story of the gospels there is a lesson for Israel and many are about end time events. jesus said: 17 “Think not that I have come to abolish the ( Torah ) law, and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. In all of these parables everything had a underlying message.

When Jesus spoke He went back into the Old Testament and brought it forth into the gospels as he was fulfilling what was previously given.

When jesus spoke of the story of forgiveness he reached back to the prophet Daniel to teach again. Jesus just didn;t pick numbers at random. When He said: Not 7 times, but 70 times 7. He was referring to the scripture of Dan 9:24.

24 “Seventy weeks (70 X 7) of years are decreed concerning your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.

And this message was for Israel.
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,034
4,456
113
#26
I have dropped the hate, but I will not lie to God, because you cannot fool God. He reads our hearts in the judgement, we cannot fool him with our words. So, if I got the question, have you forgiven this and that person, I have to be honest and tell him what is true in my heart. And that is, that I only forgive one person in person. The others I do not bother with. And just cut from my life, and feel nothing about. I cannot go on a forgive tour, and forgive the ones that bullied me when I was 12. I cannot find the one guy who robbed me while claiming to have a knife at my back, I do not know who it is even. And I have not forgiven that. It was the job of choice, and I will not forgive that person for choosing such a job. Probably robbed 500 others, and possibly stabbed people too. Only God can forgive that. I can just accept that it is just a story of my life, and do not have a feeling about it anymore, despite it giving me PTSD like symptoms afterwards for some time. So, for me, I forgive those I can in my life, and the ones not in my life, I do not have a feeling about. I have a few in my life that I used to hate, but do not hate now, but I will not forgive. If I claimed to have done it, it would be lying to God. I have to go with my heart on the matter, not saying you cannot do it. Just saying it becomes an impossible wall to climb for many people that are good people who went through extremes that 99% of people could no overcome. I believe they have a path too.
I see and know and felt what you are saying.

I would not forgive my mum when she threw me out when I was 13.
I would not forgive my Christian foster parents who the took me in only to be sexually abused by my foster dad for 5 years.

I would not forgive my cousin when I was about 9 who sexually abused me.

It's the pain and hurt and wanting retribution that chains us.

What set me free?

Whilst very hard it is actually very easy but also painful.

I sought God for the pain and hurt I was struggling with and the results.
Addiction, withdrawal, not wanting to form relationship with people and also our Father (never knew my biological father)

So what set me free?

I was laid up with a bad back. God asked me spend time with him.
I said no but he kept pressure up.
So eventually I said yes.

I was still in contact with my foster family and would occasionally visit but started to step back.

My foster mum led me to Jesus and I loved her like a mum.

So we were meant to visit but I couldn't cope with seeing the man who sexually abused me, so I said to her I am not coming down got too much work on.
She was gutted.

As I said was laid up.

God said to me when I sought him.

"You need to forgive, so let us to down there"

I said no three times.

The 4th time I said no God said to me

"What part of US are you not getting? I will be with you and I will help you to forgive.

I did it, very hard process but I knew I had truly forgiven and had been set free when two years later when he had severe stroke I was with him on his deathbed and prayed for him.

He asked me to sort out his estate and I did.

You see I was set free and as a result the baggage started to be taken off m.

Jesus took my yoke and gave me his.

Forgiveness is the key.
It will always be.
The key unlocks the chains that bind us and that is was Jesus came for.
To set us free.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#27
In any story of the gospels there is a lesson for Israel and many are about end time events. jesus said: 17 “Think not that I have come to abolish the ( Torah ) law, and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. In all of these parables everything had a underlying message.

When Jesus spoke He went back into the Old Testament and brought it forth into the gospels as he was fulfilling what was previously given.

When jesus spoke of the story of forgiveness he reached back to the prophet Daniel to teach again. Jesus just didn;t pick numbers at random. When He said: Not 7 times, but 70 times 7. He was referring to the scripture of Dan 9:24.

24 “Seventy weeks (70 X 7) of years are decreed concerning your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.

And this message was for Israel.

You are rejecting the gospel and calling it the Old Testament it’s actually the promise of Abraham coming forth that was before the law under a different priesthood Jesus taught the gospel of the kingdom the promises in the ot the law was fulfilled by his death and resurrection.

the reason he told the Jews under the law to obey the law is because he hadn’t yet fulfilled it he explained that after he rose up

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:17-18‬ ‭

Then after his death and resurrection he explained what he meant

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:44-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

there’s no chance you’ll get this but his word went into effect for the covenant only when he died and rose it wasn’t until he finished teaching then shed the blood that the new covenant was in effect here’s the scripture for you to reject

“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:15-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

while Jesus lives as a man he loved under Moses law until he began preaching the New Testament the gospel of the kingdom of God. After he died the gospel became the eternal covenant word and blood and Moses covenant word and blood was no longer needed nor thier temple or city of Jerusalem that’s old time the gospel is everlasting salvation
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,034
4,456
113
#28
I hear you brother and I’ve been in places like that myself but the thing is believing Jesus is the way to let our faith become active

if you will let his teachings into your heart his words about forgiving others he will change the issues he will breakdown the wall . If we don’t believe him of course it’s not going to help , but if we let the truth in about forgiveness he’s perfectly able to bring us to repentance regarding any matter unforgiveness being an essential one

when you pray start asking God to forgive anyone who has wronged you or insulted you ask him to not hold anything against anyone on your account . I am as imperfect as anyone else but one thing I’m sure of is if we let the living word of God into our faith in our mind and heart , it doesn’t rest without effect , it has this very important effect just by hearing and accepting it

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so all I can say is I never meant to argue with you or cause any sort of grief I was just sharing something with you that I myself have found to be the answer in every area we struggle in life including if we aren’t able to forgive people

I would only ask you to consider this and let it rest in you somewhere

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Begin between you and the lord and he’ll fix the issue
Great post brother.

Looking at your response for me I struggle with the Mark 11:25-26 verses.

Do you think it means we could lose our salvation if we do not forgive.
Not taking generally but specific instances like what I suffered per my post above.
If I died before that then what?
 
Jun 9, 2021
1,871
425
83
#29
If it does, then tell me how anybody can get to heaven at all? It would mean that the meek could not get to heaven. It would mean that traumatized rapevictims could never get to heaven. It would mean that people bullied, and getting severly beaten by a gang of evil people, over and over again, could never get to heaven. And a lot of other good people, who are victims. I do not believe the God would give them such a test to fail, and go to hell. Forgiving is next to impossible for traumatized people who live with the trauma the rest of the life. I do not believe those at concentrationcamps was required to forgive their tormentors and Hitler. And in practice, they would not be afforded the time to do it either. If you have gotten the news about missionaries in afghanistan being arrested and will most likely be killed soon, over 200 people. I do not believe any of them fail God if they fail to forgive in their possible last days. Does not make sense after devoting their lives to God, and doing Gods work. It must mean something else. It would also mean that I would go to hell, so kind of a bummer buddy.

We are supposed to forgive 100% of the time.
God knows, for some that takes longer to forgive specific bad experiences and those who've caused them.
God knows, as we mature in Him, we ask for God to forgive personal sins done unto us by others.
God knows your level of Maturity within Him, and He does not fault you, but would encourage you to grow and mature more in Him.
 
Aug 4, 2021
586
185
43
#30
I hear you brother and I’ve been in places like that myself but the thing is believing Jesus is the way to let our faith become active

if you will let his teachings into your heart his words about forgiving others he will change the issues he will breakdown the wall . If we don’t believe him of course it’s not going to help , but if we let the truth in about forgiveness he’s perfectly able to bring us to repentance regarding any matter unforgiveness being an essential one

when you pray start asking God to forgive anyone who has wronged you or insulted you ask him to not hold anything against anyone on your account . I am as imperfect as anyone else but one thing I’m sure of is if we let the living word of God into our faith in our mind and heart , it doesn’t rest without effect , it has this very important effect just by hearing and accepting it

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so all I can say is I never meant to argue with you or cause any sort of grief I was just sharing something with you that I myself have found to be the answer in every area we struggle in life including if we aren’t able to forgive people

I would only ask you to consider this and let it rest in you somewhere

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Begin between you and the lord and he’ll fix the issue
My life is not standard in this forum, I never had faith, life and it events lead me to it, while I left it in practice as an atheist, removing myself from socalled loved ones. Never had faith ever, but I was born with principles, that never wavered no matter what, apart from being to weak to voice them a few years and to fight for me, or others I cared about under the spell of drugs. So, it would be off topic here. Can do it in private if you want to understand for yourself, where I am coming from.

Thank yoou for your kind words, and giving the encouragement that most people need, but it does not work for my situation. It is not that easy. Monumental stuff to forgive, so I cut people, and just forgive the one that hurt me the most. I have no problem resting, I am at peace. In the start of the year, I accepted that I would go to hell because I hated, as a christian. And shortly after I lost hate and fear, and read the bible. And now I do not believe I will go to hell. And regardless, it is not my will, so I just accept it. I have no concerns.My worry is not a judment that may go wrong, it is about not being truthful in my testimony before the judgement, and not as worry at all, just a figure of speech. Regardless, Gods will is done. And that is what matters.

. You get me all wrong, if you think I have grief or fear, I do not have any of that. I do not need any help to feel better, just to understand more of scripture that is new to me. I am not conventional, I come from it in a logical manner, while having more faith than many. And the words mean something to me, reading them like sciencestudy. Because that is where I came from. As an atheist, who sought information to read for myself, which built a wall to faith for me. You keemp some, you gain some, you merge it as best you can, it is different for all. I do not ask others to go with mine, and I cannot go with others if it does not fit my life expiriences. Some I will never forgive, that is final, because I cannot forgive selfpreservation to save ones own bacon, by using family in the process. And using sick people. If lying was not enough. It is drugsituation between addicts who are related, and lies to save ones own bacon, using his mother and my family. And messing up the life of someone else who I care about, and another one I cared about who is in a senior centre for druguse, Instigated by my "friend" in the family, who was also my dealer. Too much destruction of others I care about, and I will not lie about forgiving, it could never be true. I care more for them, than myself. Would rather go to hell, than to forgive what they were put through. Cannot do it.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#31
Great post brother.

Looking at your response for me I struggle with the Mark 11:25-26 verses.

Do you think it means we could lose our salvation if we do not forgive.
Not taking generally but specific instances like what I suffered per my post above.
If I died before that then what?
well brother I think , and I hope it’s okay to speak freely , I believe that even death isn’t the end for believers who came short of perfection like these folks

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

what I mean is if he went and preached the gospel to those who drown in the flood thousands of years later who waited on Sheol or the pit for Christ to come what became of those transgressors in death when they heard the gospel and believed ?

i have thought often about people who are decent and good folks but they never heard the real gospel , yet they do believe in Jesus name and the basic message of the cross or people who die before they hear all
Of it ect I think sometimes of my own loved ones and remember that God is always able even in death he is the lord and his word won’t end at death because he is lord of both the living and the dead

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:8-9‬ ‭

I believe there’s salvation even in death for a believer who came up short not understanding or knowing or even failing

but I need to make clear that’s my own thoughts and musings regarding the issue and considering scripture and above all considering that Gods will is to save those who believe and not just those who keep every jot and tittle

salvstion for me is sure when he quickens us to believe the true gospel of the kingdom and pursue it in our imperfection like Paul said and Jesus is going to supplant y weapon against us even death
 
O

Omegatime

Guest
#32
Great post brother.

Looking at your response for me I struggle with the Mark 11:25-26 verses.

Do you think it means we could lose our salvation if we do not forgive.
Not taking generally but specific instances like what I suffered per my post above.
If I died before that then what?
  • Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God, when his body was put to death and his spirit was made alive. For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God.
If you do not wake up I will come like a thief !
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,034
4,456
113
#33
  • Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God, when his body was put to death and his spirit was made alive. For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God.
If you do not wake up I will come like a thief !
Cannot see how your response relates to my question you responded to.
Your last sentence is even more confusing.

Can you make it easy for me please.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#34
My life is not standard in this forum, I never had faith, life and it events lead me to it, while I left it in practice as an atheist, removing myself from socalled loved ones. Never had faith ever, but I was born with principles, that never wavered no matter what, apart from being to weak to voice them a few years and to fight for me, or others I cared about under the spell of drugs. So, it would be off topic here. Can do it in private if you want to understand for yourself, where I am coming from.

Thank yoou for your kind words, and giving the encouragement that most people need, but it does not work for my situation. It is not that easy. Monumental stuff to forgive, so I cut people, and just forgive the one that hurt me the most. I have no problem resting, I am at peace. In the start of the year, I accepted that I would go to hell because I hated, as a christian. And shortly after I lost hate and fear, and read the bible. And now I do not believe I will go to hell. And regardless, it is not my will, so I just accept it. I have no concerns.My worry is not a judment that may go wrong, it is about not being truthful in my testimony before the judgement, and not as worry at all, just a figure of speech. Regardless, Gods will is done. And that is what matters.

. You get me all wrong, if you think I have grief or fear, I do not have any of that. I do not need any help to feel better, just to understand more of scripture that is new to me. I am not conventional, I come from it in a logical manner, while having more faith than many. And the words mean something to me, reading them like sciencestudy. Because that is where I came from. As an atheist, who sought information to read for myself, which built a wall to faith for me. You keemp some, you gain some, you merge it as best you can, it is different for all. I do not ask others to go with mine, and I cannot go with others if it does not fit my life expiriences. Some I will never forgive, that is final, because I cannot forgive selfpreservation to save ones own bacon, by using family in the process. And using sick people. If lying was not enough. It is drugsituation between addicts who are related, and lies to save ones own bacon, using his mother and my family. And messing up the life of someone else who I care about, and another one I cared about who is in a senior centre for druguse, Instigated by my "friend" in the family, who was also my dealer. Too much destruction of others I care about, and I will not lie about forgiving, it could never be true. I care more for them, than myself. Would rather go to hell, than to forgive what they were put through. Cannot do it.
Dear friend , I’m not someone whomis clean I’ve sinned as high as the heaven in my own view whether it was ten times or a thousand in my lifetime I mean , but how much you sinned isnt relevant


have you ever done things so bad that the suffering , shame and beatings , the driving of the nails through his hands and feet , as he cried out in agony , stripped in shame , mocked , accused of sin as his precious lifeblood spilled down the cold hard wood of the Roman cross of damnation ?

all those things your trying to ring with you into Christ , don’t belong because all those sins and issues you’ve been through is the only reason our Lord endured those things it was for you and them and all
Of us who have the burdens or realizing our past sins

you may think you are in a bad position yet here you are a former atheist seeking scripture and discussion and the only thing holding you back is you are convinced it doesn’t apply to you

why ? Are you not a man like me ? Are you a dofferent creatire not created by the same one who suffered all that pain and sorrow all that shame and indignity , all those accusations and scorn rejection and abandonment by his closest friends and family ? Who are you that you’ve sinned to much for God to wash it away ?

consider the apostle Paul are you someone like him ?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul helped kill Stephen he persecuted the church and set out to destroy the name of Jesus with haste and violence with zeal he persecuted them all

and when he met Jesus and heard the truth he became an apostle of epic importance and became one of the most committed men to Jesus Christ to ever walk thre earth

God is looking for people exactly like you because it’s a witness for everyone you’ve ever known that God can take the filthy things of the world and make them glorious and pure

brother , friend fellowman , Jesus went through more than you have caused and this is what he said after they put him through it

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:34‬ ‭

and they continued insulting and rejecting him until he drew his last breath who doed so they could have forgiveness for the worst and smallest of their sins

take heart but let Jesus teach you by the gospel and things will change its thy same for all of us
 
Aug 4, 2021
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#35
I see and know and felt what you are saying.

I would not forgive my mum when she threw me out when I was 13.
I would not forgive my Christian foster parents who the took me in only to be sexually abused by my foster dad for 5 years.

I would not forgive my cousin when I was about 9 who sexually abused me.

It's the pain and hurt and wanting retribution that chains us.

What set me free?

Whilst very hard it is actually very easy but also painful.

I sought God for the pain and hurt I was struggling with and the results.
Addiction, withdrawal, not wanting to form relationship with people and also our Father (never knew my biological father)

So what set me free?

I was laid up with a bad back. God asked me spend time with him.
I said no but he kept pressure up.
So eventually I said yes.

I was still in contact with my foster family and would occasionally visit but started to step back.

My foster mum led me to Jesus and I loved her like a mum.

So we were meant to visit but I couldn't cope with seeing the man who sexually abused me, so I said to her I am not coming down got too much work on.
She was gutted.

As I said was laid up.

God said to me when I sought him.

"You need to forgive, so let us to down there"

I said no three times.

The 4th time I said no God said to me

"What part of US are you not getting? I will be with you and I will help you to forgive.

I did it, very hard process but I knew I had truly forgiven and had been set free when two years later when he had severe stroke I was with him on his deathbed and prayed for him.

He asked me to sort out his estate and I did.

You see I was set free and as a result the baggage started to be taken off m.

Jesus took my yoke and gave me his.

Forgiveness is the key.
It will always be.
The key unlocks the chains that bind us and that is was Jesus came for.
To set us free.
Very encouraging, and nice again. Some of what you type is my life too, and some happened twice, not forgiving twice. But do not think that is my issue now.. it is not, my issues regarding selfish needs is gone. I do not like to see intertwined relations hurt eachother, least of all my parents, and the mother of a cousin who treated me almost as a son. Who are both of ill health. I got into a situation with my drugdealer, with lots of issues, that did not like to use shrinks, because they did nottell him what he wanted to hear, everything they said was apparently wrong. And the same with my friend. So we smoked weed, and essentially I worked as a free shrink who bought weed. Then personal issues, and a mess, and some other drugs, then mexican stand off, where everybody but me pulled the trigger.

Long story short, my friend, who was quite naive, was used to get me hooked on various drugs, that I refused to take, that he became addicted to. That messed up his life, after he finally saw the light and positivity. Taking over a house, that he had to sell after the bank took it from him, because he became an addict. I cannot forgive that. We were family, so he used common family too. Cannot forgive that.Too cowerdly to even speak of it between us, too weak. So, is a nervous wreck, doing drugs in the basement of his moms house, while using others, after getting out of jail for a stabbing. Sick people, my mom and his mom. I am not forgiving that. I do not know what he has told, in desperation and drugged up. But has destroyed my relations with many, and many lives I cared about. So cannot forgive it. Theese are atheists, open secret about our druguse, it was fine for all

They actually want me to go back to it. My messed up friend called before christmas, you want to come over and talk? I can get some hash, some pills and powder. The other one same story. And everytime I came, only pushing drugs, no talk at all. It is fine, that drugaddicts try to get people who left back on drugs, I understand that, I can forgive that. But I cannot forgive using others, and destroying people I love in the process for selfish reasons. I can endure, but do not make others I care about endure it.
 
Aug 4, 2021
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#36
Dear friend , I’m not someone whomis clean I’ve sinned as high as the heaven in my own view whether it was ten times or a thousand in my lifetime I mean , but how much you sinned isnt relevant


have you ever done things so bad that the suffering , shame and beatings , the driving of the nails through his hands and feet , as he cried out in agony , stripped in shame , mocked , accused of sin as his precious lifeblood spilled down the cold hard wood of the Roman cross of damnation ?

all those things your trying to ring with you into Christ , don’t belong because all those sins and issues you’ve been through is the only reason our Lord endured those things it was for you and them and all
Of us who have the burdens or realizing our past sins

you may think you are in a bad position yet here you are a former atheist seeking scripture and discussion and the only thing holding you back is you are convinced it doesn’t apply to you

why ? Are you not a man like me ? Are you a dofferent creatire not created by the same one who suffered all that pain and sorrow all that shame and indignity , all those accusations and scorn rejection and abandonment by his closest friends and family ? Who are you that you’ve sinned to much for God to wash it away ?

consider the apostle Paul are you someone like him ?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul helped kill Stephen he persecuted the church and set out to destroy the name of Jesus with haste and violence with zeal he persecuted them all

and when he met Jesus and heard the truth he became an apostle of epic importance and became one of the most committed men to Jesus Christ to ever walk thre earth

God is looking for people exactly like you because it’s a witness for everyone you’ve ever known that God can take the filthy things of the world and make them glorious and pure

brother , friend fellowman , Jesus went through more than you have caused and this is what he said after they put him through it

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:34‬ ‭

and they continued insulting and rejecting him until he drew his last breath who doed so they could have forgiveness for the worst and smallest of their sins

take heart but let Jesus teach you by the gospel and things will change its thy same for all of us
I have no fears about God or heaven and hell. I try to tell you, I have an issue with a drugaddicted past bestfriend who was also my dealer, that I cut contact with. That is hellbent on getting me back, that my family do not know is a drugdealer, and if I speak, it becomes big turmoil, unneded. So, finally, I just cut him. And cut the threads he choose to use.

I cannot help. And I cannot forgive. And it is fine. Read my comments. Have I ever expressed a fear of hell or judgement? Never. I handled it all wrong, And should have been stronger in the past to protect others, but I was not. Just a fact. No tribulations on that either. It is just how it was. I told you or others, that I have no fear for judgement for theese issues, or others I have not spoken up for, that I should. I just want to do it honestly in judgement, and will accept all rulings. Am I the first person here, who had a relative as their potdealer for 15 years, since turning 18? I do not likedrugs anyymore. I do not like what it does to people.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#37
My life is not standard in this forum, I never had faith, life and it events lead me to it, while I left it in practice as an atheist, removing myself from socalled loved ones. Never had faith ever, but I was born with principles, that never wavered no matter what, apart from being to weak to voice them a few years and to fight for me, or others I cared about under the spell of drugs. So, it would be off topic here. Can do it in private if you want to understand for yourself, where I am coming from.

Thank yoou for your kind words, and giving the encouragement that most people need, but it does not work for my situation. It is not that easy. Monumental stuff to forgive, so I cut people, and just forgive the one that hurt me the most. I have no problem resting, I am at peace. In the start of the year, I accepted that I would go to hell because I hated, as a christian. And shortly after I lost hate and fear, and read the bible. And now I do not believe I will go to hell. And regardless, it is not my will, so I just accept it. I have no concerns.My worry is not a judment that may go wrong, it is about not being truthful in my testimony before the judgement, and not as worry at all, just a figure of speech. Regardless, Gods will is done. And that is what matters.

. You get me all wrong, if you think I have grief or fear, I do not have any of that. I do not need any help to feel better, just to understand more of scripture that is new to me. I am not conventional, I come from it in a logical manner, while having more faith than many. And the words mean something to me, reading them like sciencestudy. Because that is where I came from. As an atheist, who sought information to read for myself, which built a wall to faith for me. You keemp some, you gain some, you merge it as best you can, it is different for all. I do not ask others to go with mine, and I cannot go with others if it does not fit my life expiriences. Some I will never forgive, that is final, because I cannot forgive selfpreservation to save ones own bacon, by using family in the process. And using sick people. If lying was not enough. It is drugsituation between addicts who are related, and lies to save ones own bacon, using his mother and my family. And messing up the life of someone else who I care about, and another one I cared about who is in a senior centre for druguse, Instigated by my "friend" in the family, who was also my dealer. Too much destruction of others I care about, and I will not lie about forgiving, it could never be true. I care more for them, than myself. Would rather go to hell, than to forgive what they were put through. Cannot do it.
“I never had faith,”

that’s what I’m saying

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#38
I have no fears about God or heaven and hell. I try to tell you, I have an issue with a drugaddicted past bestfriend who was also my dealer, that I cut contact with. That is hellbent on getting me back, that my family do not know is a drugdealer, and if I speak, it becomes big turmoil, unneded. So, finally, I just cut him. And cut the threads he choose to use.

I cannot help. And I cannot forgive. And it is fine. Read my comments. Have I ever expressed a fear of hell or judgement? Never. I handled it all wrong, And should have been stronger in the past to protect others, but I was not. Just a fact. No tribulations on that either. It is just how it was. I told you or others, that I have no fear for judgement for theese issues, or others I have not spoken up for, that I should. I just want to do it honestly in judgement, and will accept all rulings. Am I the first person here, who had a relative as their potdealer for 15 years, since turning 18? I do not likedrugs anyymore. I do not like what it does to people.
right so Jesus died for them too you don’t have to hang out with them and partake of their deeds forgiveness is about letting go of sin both yours and thiers

but I think I have probably said about all I can I hope there are no hard feelings , and I hope that you will consider what Christ Jesus the lord has to say about forgiveness
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,660
5,908
113
#39
I have no fears about God or heaven and hell. I try to tell you, I have an issue with a drugaddicted past bestfriend who was also my dealer, that I cut contact with. That is hellbent on getting me back, that my family do not know is a drugdealer, and if I speak, it becomes big turmoil, unneded. So, finally, I just cut him. And cut the threads he choose to use.

I cannot help. And I cannot forgive. And it is fine. Read my comments. Have I ever expressed a fear of hell or judgement? Never. I handled it all wrong, And should have been stronger in the past to protect others, but I was not. Just a fact. No tribulations on that either. It is just how it was. I told you or others, that I have no fear for judgement for theese issues, or others I have not spoken up for, that I should. I just want to do it honestly in judgement, and will accept all rulings. Am I the first person here, who had a relative as their potdealer for 15 years, since turning 18? I do not likedrugs anyymore. I do not like what it does to people.
Severing a relationship isn’t unforgiveness necessarily maybe the term we are thinking of differently

it’s a good think to cut ties sometimes , it’s the unforgiveness in the heart that is cancerous for the soul you don’t even have to talk to the guy , that was my point pray to God and forgive him was what I was saying . Not to reconcile a bad relationship at all but to keep your own self in line with Christ that’s when he moves for us in situations

Anyways
 
Aug 4, 2021
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#40
right so Jesus died for them too you don’t have to hang out with them and partake of their deeds forgiveness is about letting go of sin both yours and thiers

but I think I have probably said about all I can I hope there are no hard feelings , and I hope that you will consider what Christ Jesus the lord has to say about forgiveness
You have a good heart and I thumb you up for that. But you get me all wrong. But you have a good heart, trying to fix a issue that does not exist. I am at peace, apart from not knowing the bible. Hate reading books, and now I read. Do not assume what I want fixed, because it is all wrong. I do not know anybody who is christian, only knows atheists, and I assume that is our glitch. Being a militant atheist reading scripture to defeat christianity, becomming a christian in the process, is quite a change, right? I do not have any cares, apart from my fasmily want me to reconnect me to my drugbuddies and ealers, and I cannot tell them, that they are my suppliers, when I used drugs. Does not phase me, but tell me how to fix this without exposing to his mother, the open secret that her son is a drugdealer? That she do not want to admit, but have known for 20 years and protected? And tell me why I should tell my family, making them change their views on him? Why make conflict? I am happy. I do not understand that people think life is pleasant, and you need to fix everything, you do not need to fix all. Some issues relate more to others than you, and that is their tests, not yours. Do not butt in,. For me, not telling you