It is very dangerous to assume that because God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that He will not be mean. We moved from an Old Testament view of God dealing vengefully against Israel when they sinned to the realm of grace and love. But don’t be lulled by the sweetness of the message. God still means business.

forgiveness is not an option

Mat 18 23:35 tells the story of the servant who was forgiven a huge debt, but sent a fellow servant to prison for a minor debt. The master was furious with the unforgiving servant and sent him to the torturers until he paid all that was due.

What did Jesus have to say about not forgiving people? So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. (18:35)

Do not be misled by the message of love. Yes, His love is far beyond anything you can imagine with your human understanding, but He demands obedience. If you have been forgiven of every sin you confess, then you must forgive others who offend you. There is no middle ground because you don’t feel like it. Go back and read that verse again. It’s frightening. Forgiveness is not an option.