Forgiveness vs. Pardon

Forgiveness is releasing an offender emotionally, taking him off my hook, and accepting the consequences of what he has done.

Pardon is releasing him from the consequences of what he has done.

God requires me to forgive my offenders but often I am not able to pardon them. If a law has been broken then only those who are placed in authority are able to release the offender from consequences. Even when a law has not been broken it is God who brings consequences. Hebrews 10:30 says, "For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." and Matthew 18:6 says, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." God promises that "...whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:7b-8. Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

I am now learning that vengence is not as sweet as I thought it would be. As I am writing this my step-father is lying in a bed in the same room, gasping for breath. His suffering has not helped me feel any better. My heart has changed but God's justice has not. It is between him and God now.