Forgiveness 101

There are times when I think I fully understand the concept of forgiveness and then there's now. Have you ever really, truly felt like you've forgiven someone for something, but events unfold that point out - glaringly - that you, in fact, have not fully forgiven that person?

Such experiences leave me with more questions than answers. Of course, the primary source of counsel for me to seek in this matter is the Bible. Since God was gracious enough to leave us this resource, I will, over the next few days, attempt to answer a few questions regarding the issue of forgiveness for myself:

1. What is Forgiveness?

2. Why do I need to Forgive?

3. If the offender is unrepentant, is forgiveness still required on my part? If so, why?

4. What are the consequences if I choose not to forgive?

5. What happens if I choose to forgive?

6. Is there a prescribed process for forgiveness mentioned in the Bible?

7. How will I know if I have truly forgiven someone?

8. If I am unwilling to allow someone I believe I have forgiven back into an area of my life which requires trust, have I really forgiven them? Do I need to allow myself to be vulnerable to them to prove I have forgiven them?

9. Any other questions that may arise as I consider this issue in depth, according to God's Word.

Feel free to comment or ask questions as I seek out God's answers to my questions.