223rd Post Jesus Said Reproof and Forgiveness- New Topic Intoductory Comment.

This is a start of a new topic in this Study concerning reproof and forgiveness. Reproof is just another word for judging. In Chapter 7 of Matthew, Jesus tells us not to judge one another. And then later in His teaching He tells us to test and to discern people's intentions. In Chapter 7 of Matthew, Jesus is telling us not to judge, because this judgment deals with heaven and hell, and only God has the power to judge on this level. We are to make judgments that will keep us safe. We are not to go anywhere we want, it might not be safe for us to go there at this time, but at another time it might be perfectly safe. We are called not to put ourselves knowingly in danger. Keeping yourself safe requires discernment on your part, to know your environment and act accordingly. In this section, we will get a better understanding of what Jesus means by reproof and judgment. The other part of this section deals with forgiveness. We ask the Lord to forgive us whenever we mess up, but we don't seem to be as willing to forgive our neighbor when they mess up. If you pay close attention to the word's of the Lord's Prayer, in order for God to forgive us, what must we do first? Jesus asks us to forgive others first, then God will forgive us. In order to have a good relationship with God, we need also to have a good relationship with others.
As your walk with God increases, you will be able to do this quicker. How fast you forgive depends on the depth of the offense. God's love does not have degrees, or tests that have to be met before He will love you, or forgive you.