How did Jesus handle the topic of forgiveness?
For the first thirty years we really don't
have any idea other than the cultural norms
of first century Israel under Roman ruling
occupation. We have a brief glimpse during
His public ministry lasting 3.5 years.
The LORD's Prayer has a reference to His explicit
rule about forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12 KJV
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
Matthew 6:15 KJV
"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
The bible' definition of 'forgiveness' is
provided by Strong's G863: - Aphiemi (verb)
to bid going away or to depart; to send forth,
yield up, to expire; to let go, let alone, let
be, to omit, to disregard, neglect; to give up
a debt, forgive, to remit, to keep no longer;
to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up;
to leave, go way from one, to depart; to desert,
to leave one (left behind); leave remaining,
abandon, leave (destitute)
See Reference At:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G863&t=KJV
If we take the word 'forgiveness' and then use
a phrase such as: 'not to hinder by letting it
go' we can reconfigure in context the following:
"But if you do not stop hindering other people's
trespasses, then neither will your Heavenly
Father let go any of your trespasses either."
Something given in return for a item of equivalent value.
See Reference At:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/quid-pro-quo.html
Jesus clearly demonstrated how He had authority
to forgive men's sins. He was capable of letting
it go as He did not hinder other people's trespasses
against Him. He was able to completely make their
trespasses totally depart from His relationships.
Their trespasses never did get in His way to either
build a relationship or teach His followers how to
avoid becoming trapped in their own sins.
Because Jesus did not withhold forgiveness to any
during the days while He lived in the land of the
living, He became justified to be received by to
His Heavenly Father after He died on the cross
because Jesus was free of trespass, sins and faults.
Therefore, His forgiveness of Others became His
way to fully integrate Himself into the 'sinless,
spotless Lamb of God' role. (see: 1st Peter 1:19).
Notice how there were no prerequisites or prior
requirements necessary for Jesus to generously
give to Others all of His forgiveness. He freely
offered it to any and all.
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