The maturity of forgiveness

<p>In this episode we will be exploring the topic of forgiveness, especially as forgiveness reigns over judgment, and how forgiveness is a sign of emotional and spiritual maturity.</p><p>Yeshua stated it this way: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:36-37</p><p>When we typically think of the quality of forgiveness, it’s usually placed as a virtue that is opposite hatred. To forgive is to love and not to hate. However, in this passage, we find that mercy and forgiveness are placed in direct contrast not with hatred, but with condemnation and judgment.</p><p>When judgment is the primary objective, the possibility of forgiveness becomes diminished. When maintaining or restoring a relationship is a primary objective, then the potential for forgiveness increases. Both are necessary, but both serve different purposes.</p><p>When we forgive, we are being generous; generous with our mercy, generous with our emotions, and generous with our friendships. This generosity of action, according to Yeshua, leads to that generosity being returned to us many times over. When we are generous forgivers, forgiveness comes back to us over and over.</p><p>Below are some helpful timestamps of some of the main thoughts in today's episode:</p><p>01:15 Seek not to be overly judgmental</p><p>01:50 Biblical examples of hypocritical judgment</p><p>04:30 The universal balance of God's judgment</p><p>06:00 Fair and correct judgment</p><p>08:10 Forgiveness is more abstract, and above, judgment</p><p>09:00 Forgiveness is release</p><p>10:05 Forgiveness is generosity</p><p>11:39 Biblical examples of reciprocity</p><p>13:20 Summary</p><p>If you enjoyed this weeks podcast, be sure to visit <a href="http://coreofthebible.org/">coreofthebible.org</a> to join the conversation through comments, to see daily blog posts on these topics, and to find free downloadable resources regarding the message of the Bible redu