“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Forgiveness is one of the most transformative and powerful acts a human being can experience or extend. At the very heart of the Christian gospel lies this truth: we are forgiven, and we are called to forgive. The entire arc of Scripture — from Eden to the Cross to the new creation — is rooted in the rhythm of brokenness, mercy, and restoration.
This week’s article, culled from BibleGateway.com, compiles key Bible passages that talk about what God says about forgiveness — both His forgiveness of us and our call to forgive others. It is a timely reminder in an age marked by offence, resentment, and woundedness.
Yet many questions arise: Who deserves forgiveness? What qualifies or disqualifies a person from it? Why is it so hard to forgive? This article seeks to address these questions through the lens of Scripture, inviting each of us to lean into grace, extend mercy, and live freely.
GOD’S FORGIVENESS
The Bible is clear: we all need forgiveness. As Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet, God in His grace and love provides a way of restoration. Forgiveness begins with Him — and it is available to all who confess their sins and turn to Christ.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
God’s forgiveness is not hesitant or partial. It is complete and liberating. Psalm 103:12 beautifully expresses the magnitude of this grace:“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
And through Jesus, forgiveness is not just a legal pardon — it is a relational healing. Ephesians 1:7 affirms:“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (NKJV)
This forgiveness is not earned but freely given. It brings peace, joy, and the confidence to approach God without shame.
FORGIVING OTHERS
As recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to reflect that mercy in our relationships. Forgiveness is not optional for believers — it is a direct command of Christ. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14–15 are sobering:“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Forgiveness is not condoning wrongdoing. It is releasing the burden of bitterness and entrusting judgment to God. It is a decision to extend grace — sometimes repeatedly. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, Jesus responded:“I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:22 (KJV)
This implies that forgiveness must be habitual — a posture, not a one-time act. Jesus also taught that reconciliation should precede worship. Mark 11:25 teaches:“When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.” (NLT)
To forgive is to mirror God’s heart. Proverbs 17:9notes:“The one who forgives an offense seeks love.”
PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is not always easy. It often goes against our instincts. Yet, the Bible provides practical guidance on how to cultivate a forgiving spirit:
- Release revenge.Proverbs 24:29says:“Don’t say, ‘I’ll get back at you for what you did.’” (MSG)
- Be quick to reconcile.“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” – Ephesians 4:26 (NKJV)
- Love your enemies.“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (CSB)
- Make peace a priority.“If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18 (NASB)
These actions don’t erase the pain, but they transform how we respond to it. Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it does free the future.
WHEN FORGIVENESS IS WITHHELD
Jesus warned about the danger of an unforgiving heart. In Matthew 18:32–35, He tells the parable of a servant forgiven a great debt who refuses to forgive a smaller one. The outcome is tragic: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
Unforgiveness invites judgment — not just from others, but from God. Matthew 6:15 reminds us:“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
This does not mean we lose salvation, but it does mean we block the flow of grace in our lives and relationships. Resentment, if left unchecked, becomes a prison of our own making
THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN: A HEART CLOSED TO GOD
Jesus also spoke of a sin that cannot be forgiven — blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32). This refers to a persistent, willful rejection of God’s Spirit — a heart that refuses to repent, see truth, or receive grace. It is not a sin of action, but of attitude — the refusal to acknowledge one’s need for forgiveness.
But anyone who comes to God in humility and faith will find Him gracious and ready to forgive.
“I am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings… and I will not remember your sins.” – Isaiah 43:25 (NASB)
CONCLUSION
Forgiveness is both a gift and a command. God offers it freely to all who turn to Him, and He calls us to extend it just as generously to others.
To be forgiven is to be set free. To forgive is to release the power of grace. And to live in forgiveness is to live in harmony with the heart of God.
Let us therefore:
- Receive God’s forgiveness with gratitude,
- Extend forgiveness with humility,
- And live in the freedom that only mercy can bring.
As Paul encourages:“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Remain Blessed!
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