Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Forgiving Injuries

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of love, as depicted in the Bible, extends beyond mere affection or sentiment; it is an active, selfless commitment to the well-being of others. One of the most profound expressions of love to man is the act of forgiving injuries. Forgiveness is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that underscore the importance of forgiveness as an expression of love. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This prayer highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness, suggesting that our willingness to forgive others is intrinsically linked to our own experience of divine forgiveness.

Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22, where Peter asks, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus responds, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times" . This response indicates that forgiveness should be limitless, reflecting the boundless love and mercy of God.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of forgiving love is found in Jesus Christ Himself. On the cross, amidst His suffering, Jesus prays for His persecutors, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This act of forgiveness, offered in the face of extreme injustice and pain, serves as the highest model for believers.

Apostolic Teachings

The apostles also reinforce the call to forgive as an expression of love. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul writes, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . Here, forgiveness is presented as a natural outflow of kindness and compassion, rooted in the believer's own experience of being forgiven by God.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:13, Paul instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" . This directive not only calls for patience and forbearance but also sets the standard of divine forgiveness as the benchmark for human relationships.

Practical Implications

Forgiving injuries is not merely a passive release of resentment but an active decision to love and restore relationships. It requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to let go of the desire for retribution. By forgiving others, believers demonstrate the transformative power of God's love in their lives and witness to the world the reality of the Gospel.

Forgiveness also brings freedom and healing to the forgiver, breaking the chains of bitterness and resentment. As believers practice forgiveness, they align themselves with God's redemptive purposes and reflect His glory in a broken world.

Conclusion

The call to forgive injuries is a profound expression of love to man, deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ. It is a powerful testimony of the believer's faith and a vital component of Christian discipleship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:32
And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... I should be sorry to harbour hostile sentiments against any man on the ... strife and
animosities, to forgive each other mutually and to love one another ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... until by efforts of his own he should make himself ... by the experience of his father's
love; the fragments ... youth has injured and offended,"the man whose just ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... You should enter upon this work with the solemnities of the ... 3:5, 8. Have I put on
the new man, which is ... Do I manifest my love for all mankind, by doing good to ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... share in thanksgivings and elections, [1007]366; should not throw the ... he that is
without it a useless man, [1046]405; especially to those who love him, [1047 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... fruits of their own transgressions; which though they should be none ... into the likeness
of a beast, a man, or woman ... of the world, began then to love such women ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... But the most pious penetration is exhibited in the ... exactness of life; the glory of
his love, by Christ's ... was for present necessity, till a man should be made ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm