Common misconceptions about forgiveness among Christians:
You don’t have to do anything to receive God’s forgiveness. Not true, it must be accepted.
Forgiveness must be earned. Not true, it can only be given.
Trust should be given, alongside forgiveness. Not true, trust & forgiveness are two different things.
15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
Forgiveness is a feeling. Not true, forgiveness is a choice.
Forgiveness is the belief that they won’t mess up again. Again, not true. Forgiveness is the belief that they probably will mess up again, but choosing love anyway.
In fact, if I could add another one of these in retrospect--the 6th misconception would be that forgiveness is for THEM. It’s not. It’s for me. They may mess up again...your unforgiveness wouldn’t stop that. But unforgiveness isn’t for them--it’s for YOU
Justice Misconceptions:
We know vengeance best. Nope, only God does.
We’re being asked to forgive too much. No, we’ve been forgiven of so much.
If I forgive, they won’t change. Actually, forgiveness is a much more effective change agent.
An eye for an eye is the only way to conquer evil. No, you conquer evil by doing good.