About Pastor Elder Gary Quinn Expertise Any questions relating to the baptist application or way of life
spiritual guidance for sinners or for the saved
Experience 11 years as a baptist minister
5 years at a semenary
associates degree in chistian doctrine
Organizations Little Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Assocision
Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church
Lake County Volunteers
Education/Credentials Associates degree in Chistian Doctrine
Expert: Pastor Elder Gary Quinn Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: forgiveness
Question Hi Pastor,
I am having a lot of issues with forgiveness. I am a born again Christian, and I have been so for about 5 years or so. But I am having problems forgiving people who have done me wrong in my life. Not that I haven't tried. I have tried very hard to forgive, but I just can't force myself to do it. Some of the things these people did to me were horrible and still effect me today, to the point of which a day does not go by without me thinking about how I have been wronged. These people did me wrong not because I deserved it, but because they simply wanted to get their kicks out of hurting me unjustly. Lying to me, tricking me into doing things I didn't wish to do, etc., etc. I just can't forgive, no matter how hard I try. And I have tried and tried over and over again.
Jesus said that if we do not forgive those who have traspassed against us neither will God forgive our sins...does that mean that I'm not saved? Does that mean that God does not forgive my sins when I confess them to Him? Am I without God's forgiveness just because I am unable to seriously force myself to forgive many of the people who did me wrong. I know what Jesus says about forgiveness, and that I should pray for those who spitefully use me, like these people did. But I can't force myself to do it. I just can't, no matter how much I try, and part of it is because some of the things these people did to me still effect me to this day, on a day to day basis, 18 years later.
Am I unforgiven? Can I be forgiven? What am I to do? I have tried and tried to forgive from my heart, and I just can't do it. I can lie to myself and say that I forgive, but in reality I don't. I can't live a lie. I have to be honest to myself and realize that I still hate these people and wish they would all burn in hellll.
-Erik
Answer Sorry for the length of time that it took me to get back to you have started a new job and it is very time consuming. Forgiveness of others will come in time as you continue to grow in the Lord it will come just be patient He knows what you need to do and when you need to do it. Peter once as Jesus how many times he must forgive his brother? 7 and the answer was no 70 times 70. In other words as long as it takes to trully forgive in your heart. God Bless hope this has been a help to you.
