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Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Understanding the Biblical Perspective

Forgiveness is a powerful and transformative act that can bring healing and restoration to broken relationships, both with others and with God. It is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, and the Bible offers many insights into the nature and significance of forgiveness.

What is Forgiveness? At its core, forgiveness is the act of letting go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge toward someone who has wronged us.

It involves releasing the other person from their debt to us and choosing to extend mercy and grace instead.

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is not just a nice thing to do, but a commandment from God Himself.

Luke 17:3-4: "So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them."

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for our own well-being and for the health of our relationships with others and with God.

Mark 11:25: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Why is Forgiveness Important?

Forgiveness is essential for our spiritual and emotional well-being. It frees us from the burden of carrying around anger, bitterness, and resentment. It also allows us to experience the love and grace of God in our lives and enables us to extend that love and grace to others.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

The Bible's View on Unforgiveness

The Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness and unforgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God and others.

In Colossians 3:13, we are instructed to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This verse emphasizes the need to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God.

Examples of Forgiveness in the Bible

One of the most powerful examples of forgiveness in the Bible is the story of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 37-50, we read how Joseph's jealousy and his brothers' betrayal led to his enslavement and imprisonment. But through a series of events orchestrated by God, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt and was able to provide for his family during a time of famine.

When Joseph's brothers came to him for food, he had the opportunity to seek revenge on them for what they had done to him. Instead, he forgave them, saying (Genesis 50:19-20). 19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Another example of forgiveness in the Bible is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The younger son in the parable squandered his inheritance on wild living and found himself destitute and hungry. But when he returned home, his father welcomed him back with open arms, even though he had squandered his wealth and disgraced his family.

The father's forgiveness in this story represents God's willingness to forgive us no matter what we have done. It is a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy that God extends to all who repent and turn back to Him.