by Rehema Jonathan | 18 December 2020 08:46 pm12
Answer:
Forgiveness is a core principle of the Christian faith. Every believer is called to forgive, regardless of the magnitude of the wrong. This stems from the fact that we have all sinned and been forgiven through Christ.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
— Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23 (NIV)
We are all recipients of unmerited grace. Thus, forgiveness is not optional for Christians; it is a command rooted in the example of Christ.
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
— Matthew 6:15 (NIV)
Jesus encourages reconciliation over litigation when possible, urging us to settle disputes before they escalate to legal judgment.
“When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”
— Luke 12:58–59 (NKJV)
This warning is particularly directed at the unrepentant those who harm others continually without remorse. Jesus is not forbidding legal action but emphasizing that reconciliation is preferable to judgment, especially for the sake of peace and spiritual growth.
Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way…”
— Matthew 5:25–26 (NIV)
Legal systems and governing authorities are not outside God’s plan they are His instruments for maintaining order and justice. Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Romans:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established… The one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.”
— Romans 13:1–4 (NIV)
In other words, police, judges, and courts act as ministers of God’s justice on earth. They are tasked with punishing evil and protecting the innocent. Therefore, taking a matter to court when someone is unrepentantly harming others is not a sin it is cooperating with God’s justice.
If someone persistently defrauds, steals, abuses, or exploits others and refuses to repent, reporting them to authorities is both biblical and moral.
If a person repents sincerely confessing, asking for forgiveness, and making amends then Christian love may lead us to forgive and forgo legal steps.
However, when their actions are a threat to the community (e.g., violence, rape, fraud, murder), reporting them is not just lawful it is righteous.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
— Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)
Christians must never take the law into their own hands. Vengeance belongs to God.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
— Romans 12:19 (NIV)
Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but that doesn’t mean we must tolerate persistent evil. Forgiveness and justice can coexist. Reporting wrongdoing can be an act of love protecting others from harm and giving the wrongdoer an opportunity to face the truth and change.
In summary:
Forgive always.
Reconcile when possible.
Report persistent evil.
Never take revenge into your own hands.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
— Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
Maranatha (The Lord is coming)!
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