CHRISTIANITY AND THE HARD TRUTHS ABOUT FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION AND PEACE
By Rt. Rev (Dr) Innocent Rubiruka Solomon
Jesus was unambiguous about His stance on forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. He didn’t pad any disciple at the back on this subject matter.
He obliterated the law of Moses of “tooth for tooth and eye for eye”. His teachings on peace and forgiveness are often described as “HARD TRUTHS” because they challenge human nature, demanding radical, counter-cultural actions rather than passive avoidance of conflict or superficial pardoning.
In His teaching, faith in God and love of God is measured not in talk or denominational correctness, or title or any attainment but true relationship with others. Others are the measure of your Christianity.
Here are some of the hardest truths Jesus spoke on these topics:
HARD TRUTHS ABOUT FORGIVENESS
1. FORGIVENESS IS MANDATORY AND NOT OPTIONAL: Jesus linked the forgiveness of our own sins directly to our willingness to forgive others.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
2. FORGIVENESS MUST BE UNLIMITED:
Peter thought forgiving seven times was generous, but Jesus commanded a lifestyle of mercy that does not keep count.
“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy -seven times” (or seventy times seven). (Matthew 18:21-22)
Rt. Rev (Dr) Innocent Rubiruka Solomon
3. FORGIVENESS REQUIRES LOVING ENEMIES: Forgiveness isn’t just for friends who say sorry; it extends to those who actively harm or despise you.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:44).
4. FORGIVENESS IS MODELED ON EXTREME GRACE: We are called to forgive in the same way we have been forgiven—completely and undeservedly.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
5. RECONCILIATION Takes Priority Over Worship: JESUS DEMANDED THAT RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH EACH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OFFERING GIFTS TO GOD. “…leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:24).
Ask yourself the HARD TRUTH: ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?. If you are, then stop the tribalism, denominationalism, ungodly sentiments that we all promote today instead of Christ and His teachings.
Embrace and truly reflect Christ in your life who prayed for those who crucified Him saying ” FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY DON’T WHAT THEY ARE DOING” (Luke 23:34) and not denominationalism that teaches you hate, unforgiveness, bitterness, rancour and violence against your fellow humans.
Rt. Rev ( Dr) Innocent R Solomon JP+
Is the Presiding Bishop of The Crown of Life Bible Church, House of David INC, Jalingo, Nigeria.
E-mail: innosolo04@gmail.com
