NOTES for Mar 3:28-29

It is worth paying attention to these words of Christ: "all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven." We know what our sins are. What, this too will be forgiven? Yes, it will, because Jesus says so, and His word is true. And what, just like that, without any conditions? Almost. Because this forgiveness still has to be accepted by us; after all, all our relationships with God have two sides: His and ours. His side is accomplished according to His promise, thanks to Christ's redeeming sacrifice, but ours... Jesus says that in order for us to be forgiven, we too need to forgive. That is, we need to agree that forgiveness is precisely the most right path in resolving conflicts, in restoring broken relationships. Forgiveness is mercy, the beginning of love; therefore by our agreement we acknowledge the supreme rule of love and accept that God is love. Refusal to agree to this path means rejection of love, and accordingly, rejection of God's love. This is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: refusing God in what He is, love. Well then, what mercy is there for one who does not accept mercy, what forgiveness for one who does not accept forgiveness? One cannot forgive or save by force.