Scriptures on Forgiveness

We've determined that forgiveness is not only good for our physical bodies but it is required of us as children of God. We forgive because we ARE forgiven. Let's continue to search God's Word on this matter.

The Bible has a lot to say on forgiveness. It is said to be one of Jesus' core teachings. In fact Jesus leaves his disciples with these words in the Great Commission. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he summons his followers to forgive.

"If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained." John 20:23

Here are some truths from Scriptures about forgiveness.

• When we forgive, God forgives us.

  For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

  
  

• Bitter roots crumple.

  Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God' that no "root of bitterness" spring up and cause trouble, and by it the many become defiled; Hebrews 12:14-15

  
  

• Forgiveness calls us blessed!

  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7

• Forgiveness (an act of love) covers sins.

  Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12

  
  

• Forgiveness models love. It helps us to walk in unity with others.

He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.

Proverbs 17:9

• We overcome, when we forgive

  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Whereas, Unforgiveness:

• Leads toward evil.

  Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Psalm 37:8

  
  

• Does not work righteousness.

Know this, my beloved brethren, Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak,

slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-20

• It weighs us down, causing an unnecessary burden upon our shoulders.

A stone is heaven, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

Proverbs 27:3

• It lodges in our chests. And calls us fools!

  Be not quick to anger, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

• Unforgiveness brings judgment upon our heads.

  But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says "you fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. Matthew 5:22

Through Scripture we can see clearly the benefits of forgiveness. Through living, most of us can attest to the fruits of unforgiveness. We have experienced the tight chest, the weight it bears on our shoulders, the anxiety that fills our thoughts.

Today let's consider any areas of unforgiveness in our lives that are causing our shoulders to droop and meditate on the Scriptures above.

As you forgive, see for yourself if you can sense the heaviness lifting and joy arising up within you. May you walk in the goodness of God.

Dear Jesus,

We ask for your help in this act of forgiveness. We repent for holding grudges, rehearsing the wrongs that have plagued us, for acting like we have a right to hold another accountable for their sin against us. Forgive us, we pray. Thank you for your grace. Lord, we need you. Send your Holy Spirit to help us, to breathe on us. Thank you for your promises to restore us to you. Thank you that you make all things new. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.