It was so good to sing of God’s goodness on Sunday and then be reminded from His Word that just as His goodness pursues us with forgiveness and restoration, we are to pursue others with the same message. One thing I didn’t address is the difference between forgiveness and a restored relationship.
Jesus calls us to forgive other Christians for personal offenses, regardless of whether they repent to us or not (Matthew 18:21-22). But generally a relationship cannot be restored unless the offending party repents of the offense (Matthew 18:15).
There will be times when people hurt us and don’t ask for forgiveness. When that happens, what are we to do?
We certainly must forgive and guard our hearts from letting bitterness take root in us, but the relationship probably won’t be mended until there is repentance.
I don’t share that to excuse us from the work of restoration, but as an observation. I have seen God call the offended party to extend an offer of reconciliation in spite of a lack of forgiveness, but I also realize that in some instances it might not be physically or emotionally safe to do that.
These type of situations can be difficult to discern on your own. I would highly recommend seeking counsel from a trusted fellow believer who will pray along with you to discern the Holy Spirit’s will for you.
May God transform us into a people of forgiveness and restoration,
Pastor Clint
