Greetings, Who Me. I decided to join as I am an old friend of Sister from another forum.
I'd have to disagree with you here that it is not a command to forgive. It is in fact a commandment that is so important it can cost one his salvation if it is not obeyed. This is implied in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant:
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
His being labelled a "wicked servant" and then being delivered over to the torturers are good signs these references are to the loss of salvation, though it is clear at the outset that he is forgiven of his sins when his huge debt load is forgiven. I find many people have a problem with this parable because of its implications and tend to dismiss the idea that it should be taken too seriously as a result. But it should be remembered this was a teaching of the Lord Himself, which should carry the utmost weight.
God bless,
Hidden In Him
and it highlights their profile?
