After the recent horrendous shooting at a church, we saw our brothers and sisters in Christ immediately offer forgiveness to the deranged shooter. I applaud their stand in the faith. But I do ponder this and am hoping for some of your sage insight. If the shooter is demon possessed, when we forgive, are we somehow giving a pass to demonic activity?
We don’t forgive others because they are worthy. We forgive them because Jesus commanded it. He forgave us for everything and rightfully expects us to forgive each other as well (Matt. 6:14-15, Matt. 18:32-33).
Forgiveness helps to heal us, and can bring us closure. Most importantly it keeps us close to God during a time when we really need Him. Whether the offending party deserves or even desires it is between him and the Lord.