Unconditional Love, Forgiveness, and Mercy to EnemiesIn the biblical context, Christ holds no grudges. His teachings involve the idea of ​​forgiving someone as often as they repent and ask for forgiveness, showing mercy up to 7 times 70 (Matt. 18:21-22). The emphasis is on the idea that one's forgiveness depends on one's ability to forgive one's brother. It is also expressed that by forgiving our debtors and forgiving others their trespasses (Matt. 6:12-15), we give ourselves a chance to be forgiven. This lesson resonates through Christ with his disciples. He forbids his followers from harboring grudges in their minds, as this leads to bitterness, malice, and hatred. This behavior demonstrates the Christian attitude that one must have towards one's enemies. Christ was good to those who persecuted him. In fact, one of the things that doomed him to many enemies was the ever-present kindness he lavished on those who were usually shown cruelty. In Luke 15:1-2, the Pharisees condemn Jesus for dining with sinners. They are appalled by his unusual ways towards such people. The critique highlights an important characteristic of Christ: he did not despise those who were in sin, but used his abilities to help them. Another example is given in John 4 where Christ shows kindness to a Samaritan woman. The Samaritans were considered unworthy by the Jews and his kindness shocked her. “How is it that you, who are a Jew, ask me for a drink, I who am a Samaritan woman? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). He is not hostile to those whom society has considered his enemies. In Jean Valjean from Hugo of Les Misérables, we observe a man almost broken by the theme...... middle of paper ......seen. Sydney Carton would therefore be an exemplary disciple. It is Sydney Carton's unparalleled love for Lucie that leads him to renounce the ultimate sacrifice: his life. Keeping his promise to Lucie, Carton trades places with Charles Darnay, a man he despises, on the day of his execution, sparing Darnay's life but ending his own. His death allows the woman he loves to be with the life she loves. The scene of Carton climbing to his execution, redeemed from his immoral ways as he sacrifices this life so that his beloved Lucy can live happily with her husband and child, establishes Sydney Carton as a Christ-like figure. Although there is hope of redemption for Carton, hope that he will be remembered fondly, he still makes the ultimate sacrifice, just as Christ did. Many readers recognize Carton's heroism and are emotionally touched by this final passage..