I don't know why or exactly how "forgiveness" became more about the forgiver than the forgiven. The forgiver isn't the one with the problem.
You come up with the greatest topics.
I agree with you, in that God, as the "Forgiver" doesn't have the problem. But why is there a need for God to forgive humans? Did HE do something wrong? No, someone wronged Him, and He is God, and the penalty for that is pretty steep. But what if the person who wronged Him, was really sorry for their transgression, and they changed their manner of behavior, AKA, they sorrowed to repentance for their wrongdoing. Isn't forgiveness a sign of compassion, humility, and LOVE for others? So, in true forgiveness, there is Godliness, Righteousness, and Holiness shown to us from the Great Forgiver. So then, if I forgive others who repent, in the same manner as Christ forgives the repentant, this fruit would stem from the Compassions of Christ, humility of Christ, the Love of Christ, the Godliness of Christ, the Righteousness of Christ, the Holiness of Christ flowing from my heart. In this way, it seems forgiveness is really good for the forgiver, who sheds these traits, from his repentant heart, of a God who forgave him, when he wronged the same God.
Yet, that is exactly the reason most anyone will tell you to forgive someone..... for yourself.
Well it was Jesus who instructed men to both repent for wronging others, and also to forgive those who repent from wronging us. Now repentance, it seems, is very good for the wrongful doer, Yes? But doesn't really do much for those who were wrongfully done. It helps ensure that he won't transgress again, certainly in the same manner. And what does true repentance require? It would require Compassion, humility and LOVE for others from the heart, to sorrow unto repentance for a wrongdoing. And the Lord's Christ instructs His People to "Repent". Therefore, in true repentance, there is Godliness, Righteousness, and Holiness from the heart, shown towards others who we wronged.
I see it often. Little "blurbs" such as "forgiveness sets you free". I'm so glad Jesus was thinking of me when He forgave me. Not Himself.
I get what you are saying, and there is some merit. Without first repenting towards God from our own wrongdoing towards Him, I'm not sure "our" forgiveness can "set anyone free".
But I think the whole repentance/forgiveness system that
God has put in place, is amazing and ingenious, and combined they are very good for those who would submit themselves to His System. God for both the forgiven and the forgiver.
Another great topic from Praise Yeshua. Thanks for the opportunity to chime in on a topic dear to my heart.
