Forgiveness is not optional for the believer. It is a command rooted in the very nature of the gospel. Just as God has forgiven us in Christ, we are to forgive others, regardless of the offense.
Jesus taught that forgiveness is essential in our relationship with God:
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14–15)
When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive, Jesus responded:
“I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22)
Jesus then gave a parable about a servant who was forgiven a massive debt but refused to forgive a smaller debt. The parable ends with a warning:
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35)
Paul echoes this command:
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiveness is not minimizing the offense or ignoring justice. It is releasing the debt, entrusting the matter to God, and refusing to harbor bitterness:
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
Forgiveness frees the believer from the prison of resentment and reflects the character of God. Jesus even forgave from the cross:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
We forgive because we have been forgiven. It is not a feeling but a choice of obedience and love. Refusing to forgive hinders our prayers, damages our spiritual life, and contradicts the message of the gospel.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
