Forgiveness Flashcards
What is forgiveness?
To grant pardon for a wrongdoing- to give up resentment and the desire to seek revenge against a wrongdoer
What is reconciliation?
Accepting an apology- forgiving and moving forward together in harmony
What are Christian beliefs on forgiveness?
- Forgiveness is a central theme
- Jesus taught forgiveness through parables such as the Prodigal son and Unmerciful servant
-Jesus forgave his accusers when he was crucified
What is the parable of the Prodigal son?
A son asks his father for his inheritance, then spends it all and has to live in poverty as a servant
He realises his fathers servants have better working conditions, so goes home and begs for forgiveness from his father
His father is happy at his return and holds a celebratory feast, but his other son who is prodigal is jealous that his father doesn’t seem to value him in the same way
His father urges him to be happy instead of resentful
What is the parable of the unmerciful servant?
About a servant who was forgiven for an unpayable debt, but then refuses to forgive another servants much smaller debt
The King criticises him for not showing the same mercy that he did.
What do Muslims believe about forgiveness?
- That its important to forgive someone who has done them wrong because then Allah will forgive them
- Allah forgives all who are repentant
- On Judgement day, Muslims will be judged for how they have lived, but Allah is merciful so they can be forgiven if they repent
What’s Allah’s name that relates to forgiveness?
Al-Ghafar - the ever-forgiving
What’s an example of forgiveness in Islam?
- Muhammad forgave the leaders of Mecca after he had taken the city, as he let them go free
Who is an example of a Christian who forgave?
Gee Walker
- Her son was murdered during a racially motivated attack
- Both her and her daughter have said they forgive his killers
Who is an example of a Christian who couldn’t forgive?
Rev. Julie Walkers
- Her daughter was killed in a terrorist bombing
- She quit her position as a Priest because she couldn’t forgive the suicide bomber who killed her daughter
- She believes that forgiveness is dependent on the guilty party requesting it, which cant happen in this situation
What do Christians teach about forgiveness?
- Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel
- Christians should treat others with compassion, love, mercy and forgiveness
- Jesus makes it clear there is no limit to forgiveness- ‘You should forgive 77 times’
What do Christians follow that teaches forgiveness?
- The Lords prayer- ‘forgive us for our sins’
- Parable of the Prodigal son and Unmerciful servant
- Jesus forgave the people who put him to death
