The Bible says that if someone sins 7 times in a day and repents 7 times that same day, then we should forgive that person (Luke 17:3-4). In another area, it says to keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Luke 17:3-4
“If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Clear enough. The problem I have is that I would think forgiveness would have to be gradual and earned based on someone's track record of actions after their offense. To not do that sets one up to be taken advantage of in my view. For instance, a person can just say they repent without repenting. Consider this scenario:
A friend steals money from you. You catch it, he says sorry and says he won't do it again. In that case, the Bible says to forgive. But then he does it again, and a few months later does it again. Why should I forgive in that case without evidence of repentance? Or does it count as forgiveness if I no longer bring up the theft to him, but I still remember that he stole from me, and I don't fully trust him. Is that still holding on to the offense or not forgiving fully?
For Debate:
1. Is Luke 17:3-4 good advice? Or does it set you up to be taken advantage of eventually?
2. If you're a Christian, how have you handled forgiveness? Or how would you handle the situation like the above regarding a friend stealing from you?
Luke 17:3-4
“If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Clear enough. The problem I have is that I would think forgiveness would have to be gradual and earned based on someone's track record of actions after their offense. To not do that sets one up to be taken advantage of in my view. For instance, a person can just say they repent without repenting. Consider this scenario:
A friend steals money from you. You catch it, he says sorry and says he won't do it again. In that case, the Bible says to forgive. But then he does it again, and a few months later does it again. Why should I forgive in that case without evidence of repentance? Or does it count as forgiveness if I no longer bring up the theft to him, but I still remember that he stole from me, and I don't fully trust him. Is that still holding on to the offense or not forgiving fully?
For Debate:
1. Is Luke 17:3-4 good advice? Or does it set you up to be taken advantage of eventually?
2. If you're a Christian, how have you handled forgiveness? Or how would you handle the situation like the above regarding a friend stealing from you?