Forgiveness is the Christian way

In response to the article “Does God answer prayers for harm?” (6/27, Faith): Jesus answered the question, “Is it OK to pray for harm to come to others?” On the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”(Luke 23:34).He told his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12). He gave the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12).

How could a Christian think it is OK to pray for harm to come to others over a political disagreement, a personal injury or even an act that kills innocent people? Christ’s position is clear.

Interestingly, cognitive psychologists have also realized that “venting” is not helpful if it includes any type of revenge and if it becomes an excuse for not thinking in a more constructive way. The more we nurse grievances and think of hurting others, whether persons or national groups, the less we can think of more helpful, constructive and Christ-like responses.

Rosanne Stoneking
Prairie Village

Comments

[ENV-KINGDOMGAL]

To forgive it should come from within,do not allowthe hurt to overcome your day, learn to let go and let and let God and last but not least do not habour over it over and over again..... it would not help you but make the hurt more...

[ENV-KINGDOMGAL]

For the word forgiveness is very wide but to narrow it down if you want God to orgive your sins then you need to forgive those that have hurt you.. Do to others what you want others to do to you.. we all make mistakes and no one is perfect.... god Bless

[GCYL]

“we are to forgive only those who repent” - EL

What?

“Where in the New Testament, EL, does it say we are to forgive only those who repent?” - HC Brando

It’s called a Bible with both the Old and New Testament but I’m with you HC. Where exactly in the Bible are Christians ordered to only forgive those who repent?

[Jazz-Man]

I wouldn’t say he started a new religion, the old testament laws are still valid and mentioned in the new testament (ten commandments)but how we arrive at certain points have changed as in the only way to the father is through Jesus.

my point was really about Jesus and him being a Jew and the fact that he is Christianity.

[Jazz-Man]

Did I miss the question or the answer :>)

[EL]

Jazz-Man
Jesus was an ethnic Jew but he started a new religion

[EL]

HC Brando
when you slander 2 billion people with your ignorance you don't deserve an answer

[Jazz-Man]

It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul

Jesus was raised as a Jew, We (me) are Christians which means to be Christ like. There are many Titles out there, some Jews believe Jesus is the son of God and there are those that don’t. So it doesn’t matter if you call Jesus a Christian or Just a Jew it was what he taught that matters. If Jesus is on the out side looking in he would in today’s terms be a Christian Jew or maybe nondenominational Christian Jew if that makes since.

[HC Brando]

Christians today are in a No More Mr. Nice Guy phase and will gladly forsake the tenets of their own faith in exchange for political power. Where in the New Testament, EL, does it say we are to forgive only those who repent? To hear Jesus tell it, there are no strings. But what did Jesus know, right? If he was so smart, why didn't he die of old age in luxury like Jerry Falwell did, right? (Jesus wasn't even a Christian!)

[Jazz-Man]

When pray to harm someone and you think its answered it really because you and that person is stupid. In my case I prayed that my ex-wife would fall off a bridge and God made me stay married to her three more years. Ok not really but it was Hell and Lord I can’t wait to get to heaven because that will be my relief from her.

Seriously, this subject although odd a lot of people do it and believe me God is not amused so you reap what you sow.

[EL]

All prayers are answered but sometimes the answer is no.
we are to forgive only those who repent
it is not God's will to hurt anyone so a prayer to harm someone would get a no answer