Divine Forgiveness 

Understanding love in relationships prevents the need for later repentance and forgiveness. Divine forgiveness is inherent in God's infinite understanding of the child's mistakes. The just nature of divine justice always includes understanding mercy. Jesus explained that misconceptions arise when people don't grasp the intimate connection between the creature and the Creator. A wise parent's understanding and sympathy for their child usually eliminates the need for forgiveness, as love and understanding maintain a strong bond.

Jesus went on to say that every father carries a part of themselves in the child, enjoying superior understanding in the parent-child relationship. The parent sees the child's immaturity through the lens of their own advanced maturity. In the relationship between the earthly child and the heavenly Father, divine forgiveness is inevitable due to God's infinite understanding and perfect knowledge of the child's errors. Divine justice consistently embodies understanding mercy, showcasing the capacity for sympathy and love in the parent-child dynamic.

When humans open the channel for communication with the divine, they immediately tap into a continuous flow of divine ministry. When individuals hear the spirit of God within their hearts, it signifies a reciprocal connection – God also hears their prayers. This interaction extends to the forgiveness of sins, where God forgives even before being asked, but this forgiveness becomes a personal experience when individuals extend forgiveness to others. While God's forgiveness isn't dependent on human actions, in personal experience, the two are intertwined.

The communication link between humanity and God allows for a seamless exchange, and the recognition of this synchrony is embedded in the prayer Jesus taught, emphasizing the interconnectedness of divine and human forgiveness. Divine forgiveness is pre-existing, but its realization in personal religious experience is contingent upon individuals extending forgiveness to their fellow beings.

At Corinth in 23 CE, Jesus told a condemned criminal, in part: "My brother, you've fallen into challenging times and lost your way, entangled in crime. Though I understand your actions were not premeditated, your peers have judged you and deemed the penalty is death. While we can't deny the state's right to self-defense, there's a Judge to whom you may appeal for forgiveness and who considers your true motives. Don't fear God’s judgment; sincere repentance and genuine faith can bring justice and mercy before the heavenly courts."

In his approach to the criminal, Jesus emphasizes that there is an avenue for spiritual redemption and forgiveness, even when earthly consequences follow wrongful actions and society imposes penalties. He illustrates that human judgment is limited, but divine judgment considers one's real motives and intentions, offering an opportunity for spiritual reconciliation independent of earthly consequences.

In his Decapolis tour from August to September of 29 CE, Jesus gave a sermon on forgiveness where he said, in part: "While you cannot pretend to sit in judgment on the souls of your fellows, and while you may not forgive sins or otherwise presume to usurp the prerogatives of the supervisors of the heavenly hosts, at the same time, it has been committed to your hands that you should maintain temporal order in the kingdom on earth. While you may not meddle with the divine decrees concerning eternal life, you shall determine the issues of conduct as they concern the temporal welfare of the brotherhood on earth. And so, in all these matters connected with the discipline of the brotherhood, whatsoever you shall decree on earth, shall be recognized in heaven. Although you cannot determine the eternal fate of the individual, you may legislate regarding the conduct of the group, for, where two or three of you agree concerning any of these things and ask of me, it shall be done for you if your petition is not inconsistent with the will of my Father in heaven."

In this quote, Jesus illustrates that while people cannot judge others' eternal fate or forgive sins, they are responsible for maintaining order and discipline in the earthly community. He stresses the importance of human cooperation in setting group welfare rules. Harmonious, purposeful collaboration in earthly community matters will be valued and supported.

In this sermon, Jesus went on to use a parable of an ungrateful steward who did not reciprocate the forgiveness shown to him by a king. The idea is that forgiveness is not just a one-sided act but a dynamic, interconnected process. By forgiving others, individuals create a spiritual space within themselves that allows them to better comprehend and experience the forgiveness extended by God. The teaching goes beyond a mere moral directive to forgive; it delves into the transformative power of forgiveness in fostering a genuine love for one's neighbor. This love, described as the highest ethics, becomes the foundation for moral conduct and righteousness, suggesting that ethical actions naturally flow from a heart imbued with love and forgiveness. In essence, these teachings provide a framework for harmonious communal living and a pathway to experiencing divine mercy through the practice of forgiveness and love.

Jesus warned against presuming on the Father's love and clarified that God is not an indulgent parent ready to condone self-destructive behaviors. He stressed that certain acts and practices, which hinder moral growth and spiritual progress, are considered abominable in God's sight. Essentially, Jesus emphasized the importance of understanding the consequences of one's actions and avoiding behaviors that undermine personal and spiritual development.

In another instance, Jesus encountered skepticism and accusations from a Pharisee who suggested that the miracles he performed were aligned with dark forces. Jesus responded by affirming that his actions were guided by the spirit of God and warned against knowingly ascribing God's works to evil forces, stating that those persistently rejecting divine forgiveness through deliberate blasphemy would not seek nor receive forgiveness. This underlines the severity of knowingly and maliciously attributing divine actions to malevolent sources, suggesting a boundary where forgiveness becomes elusive.

When asked how to attain salvation, Jesus responded by urging people to believe in the gospel of the kingdom and accept divine forgiveness. He emphasized the importance of faith in recognizing the indwelling spirit of God that transforms individuals into children of God. Jesus referred to passages in the scriptures, highlighting the concepts of righteousness and salvation in the context of a close relationship with God. He pointed out the scriptural affirmations that express joy in God's love, the clothing of salvation, and the covering of divine righteousness.

In essence, Jesus conveyed that salvation is freely given upon belief in the gospel and acceptance of divine forgiveness. He cited passages to illustrate the profound connection between faith, righteousness, and salvation. Additionally, he emphasized that while entry into the Father's kingdom is freely granted, continual growth in grace is crucial for ongoing participation in this divine realm. This teaching underscores the idea that faith and spiritual progress are integral components of the journey in the kingdom of God.

In his teachings on love and forgiveness, Jesus emphasized a transformative approach to resolving conflicts within the community of believers. He conveyed the idea that love and forgiveness are integral aspects of divine attributes and, therefore, should be mirrored in human interactions. The guidance provided by Jesus for addressing conflicts demonstrated a step-by-step process, beginning with a private and tactful confrontation, moving on to involving a few witnesses, and finally, if necessary, bringing the matter before a broader group. This approach not only highlighted the importance of reconciliation but also underscored the communal responsibility to maintain harmony within the spiritual community.

The conversation between Jesus and Peter about forgiveness expanded the understanding of forgiveness beyond mere numerical limits. Jesus, by suggesting "seventy times seven," conveyed the idea that forgiveness should be boundless and continuous. This perspective aimed at fostering a profound sense of understanding, compassion, and unconditional forgiveness. By connecting this teaching to the wisdom of comprehending the inner impulses of others, Jesus emphasized the importance of empathy and a deeper understanding of human nature in the practice of forgiveness.

Lastly, Jesus drew parallels between forgiveness within human relationships and the divine perspective on forgiveness. The parent-child relationships serves as a poignant metaphor, illustrating that just as wise parents understand and forgive their children, individuals should extend the same level of understanding and forgiveness to their fellow human beings. He emphasized that holding grudges and harboring vengeful feelings are signs of immaturity, contrasting it with the mature expression of love, which is founded on understanding, nurtured through selfless service, and perfected through wisdom. In essence, Jesus presented forgiveness not just as a moral duty but as a transformative and spiritually mature expression of divine love in human interactions.