Unforgiveness is one of my faults that I constantly pray about. Meditating on Rom. 12:18-21; Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32 helps. I have to trust the Lord Jesus to help me align my ways with those biblical principles. Now, I must admit that it would be very hard to let someone get away with messing with my wife and children, burning down my house, stealing ALL my money, physically attacking me, etc. My self-defense mode would kick in, and I would align my offensive mode with Psalm 144:1-2; Prov. 24:6. If I would fight and kill for my country, why not for my family? Not that I'm hawkish or bloodthirsty, but depending upon the offense, forgiveness does not always include canceling the consequences for the offense.
I've known of hardened criminals who got saved while incarcerated, but still had to suffer the consequences, some even execution (like Sean Sellers, Karla Faye Tucker, and others). God forgave them through Christ but also had them pay their debt to society in this life. The Lord forgave Israel for their rebellion against Him (Num. 14:20) but still punished them harshly (Num. 14:21-23, 29, 32, 35).
Jesus' prayer, "Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do," was only for those who disbelieved in Him (John 3:18). Offensive sinners and Christians need to repent, and the sinners need to experience God's gracious forgiveness through Christ before they can properly respond to forgiveness. Christians should always be willing to forgive. Unfortunately, offenders are not always willing to repent (Matt. 18:15-20). They need our tough love and much prayer (Matt. 5:44-48). This takes God's help (Phil. 4:13).
Blessings! 🙏🏾❤️
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