How can I forgive someone who tried to kill me?
I am trying to help a friend answer this question. Someone shot my friend in the head and tried to kill her. As a result, she has lifelong injuries but the person who tried to kill her has served his sentence and is now free to pursue his life. We are struggling to understand Matthew 6:9-13 in which Jesus says that God will grant forgiveness in proportion to our forgiveness of others. Is this scripture saying that my friend's sins will not be forgiven until such time that she forgives the unrepentant person who tried to kill her?
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Estuardo Ramirez
Forgiveness is one of the hardest thing to do. My father abusive me mentally and physical since I was a little boy which create in me strong hatred for my father, so when I became a believer it was the most difficult thing to do. I could not understand or do what the God was telling me to do thru His word. I always thought that I could not do it cause I always thought with my flesh instead with His spirit. Only thru prayer and decision. Romans 5:3-5 said" we can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure . And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us His HolySpirit to fill our hearts with love.
Also remember that there is not condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus died for us once for all. He has forgiven our past, present and future sins.
So pray to the Spirit constantly, cause as you read in Romans ! The Holy Spirit has fill our hearts with love. I don't know how much time it will take for you to heal but I know that He will heal you cause He heals me. Love from your brother in Christ
Elisabeth Woltman
Ask yourself and your friend a question whether the person who has committed this horrible crime, even though he/she has served time in prison, really and truly is loosing the sleep over it.
Basically what I'm saying is that the forgiveness, we are thought to practice as Christians, is not there just because Christ said so. The forgiveness is there to help us to move on, to throw off the baggage that is pulling us down, to be able, as difficult as it is, to have peace in our heart and stop loosing sleep, instead start enjoying the most wonderful peaceful one.
This on something that cannot happen over night but I believe with all my heart that through sincere prayer, claiming Christ' promise "Whatever you ask of the Father in my name will be given", the burden will be relived.
God has saved your friend's life for a purpose, at the moment only He knows it, but at His time, He will reveal that plan.
It might be that going through the tragedy your friend has and is still going through, and yet being able to forgive, your friend will be able to help the others.
Nothing is impossible for God.
I will be praying for both of you and that is my promise to you and the Lord.