Biblical Answer

Forgiveness and the Christian Perspective

Introduction

Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. As believers, we are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us. However, this can be a challenging task, especially when the person who has wronged us is a family member. In this response, we will explore how to forgive a family member who has stolen from us, using the principles of Christian teaching.

The Importance of Humility

Before we can forgive someone, we need to recognize our own flaws and weaknesses. As the passage suggests, if we feel superior to the person who has wronged us, it will be difficult to forgive. This is because we are focusing on our own righteousness rather than God's forgiveness. To become forgiving, we need to pray for the person we need to forgive. This allows us to see them as God sees them, as beloved children who are in need of forgiveness and restoration.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not just about letting go of our anger and resentment, but also about choosing to see the person who has wronged us as a beloved child of God. When we forgive, we are not excusing or justifying their behavior, but rather choosing to release the hold that their actions have on us. As the Bible teaches, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). This means that God's forgiveness is available to us, and we can choose to receive it. By praying for the person who has wronged us and choosing to forgive them, we can experience the power of forgiveness in our lives. This can lead to healing, restoration, and a deeper understanding of God's love and forgiveness. As we forgive, we are not only freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment, but also reflecting the character of God, who is a God of forgiveness and love.