What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
The Bible speaks of forgiveness as a gift, meant to bring healing and peace to relationships and individuals. According to the Bible, forgiveness begins with understanding, an awareness of the wrong that has been done. This insight is essential before anyone can have a hope of truly forgiving and releasing a loved one from any hurt or injustice perpetrated against them.
The Bible teaches that forgiveness has power to restore relationships and bring people together again. Jesus Christ explains this in Matthew 6:12-15, where he states that prayer should include a genuine desire for reconciliation: “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.”
A key Biblical lesson for believers to remember is that forgiveness does not always mean forgetting the wrong that was committed. It means offering the person who has wronged us a chance to make up for their wrong without holding grudges. It may also require difficult dialogue between the victim and their offender in order to reach understanding and restoration. This understanding is essential in overcoming the hurt and resentment.
The Bible teaches that forgiveness doesn’t mean remaining in toxic relationships or situations. It sometimes involves stepping back and allowing space for reconciliation and healing to occur. When Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies, he wasn’t teaching them to tolerate sin, but rather to combat it. His example of forgiving the woman arrested for adultery is a prime example of how the principle of forgiveness opens us to wisdom and mercy.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that our forgiveness must extend to all, not just those who have harmed us. Jesus commanded his followers to “love your enemies.” A key component of this love is forgiving those who have hurt us, even when they don’t deserve it. In forgiving others, we demonstrate the unconditional love and mercy of God, which is essential for the revival of a broken world.
The Cost of Forgiveness
While forgiveness is an essential step for healing and peace, it does come at a cost. Forgiving someone requires humility and a willingness to accept the wrong and make things right. It’s not always easy and can be emotionally and physically taxing. Additionally, it requires inner strength to confront a person and an understanding of how our actions have impacted them.
The cost of forgiveness is also the potential for an offender to repeat the offense. Studies have found that when an offender is forgiven, there is a chance that the same offense will be repeated by them. This can lead to further hurt and damage. Forgiveness must be given with discernment and with a commitment to provide healthy boundaries to prevent future wrongs.
Forgiveness can also be difficult because releasing someone from a past wrong means leaving resentment and hurt behind. This can be a confronting situation and require difficult dialogue, understanding and seeking wisdom to move forward. It can also lead to further hurt if the wronged party is not willing to accept and trust the offender. However, despite the challenges, the Bible teaches that God is faithful and just and will bring healing, even in the toughest of situations.
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness has the power to free us from hurt and anger, allowing us to take back control of our lives and hearts. It gives us a chance to let go of hurt that can weigh us down and sabotaging our relationships. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean ignoring injustice or weaken their accountability for the wrong, but rather it is an opportunity for the wronged party to move forward and focus on what’s important.
God’s love and mercy is expressed in forgiveness, and Christians are commanded to forgive, no matter the cost. Bible scholar and teacher, Barbara Hooks, explains this in her book, “Mercy: A Book of Bible Studies.” She writes that, “Christian forgiveness is more than just an acknowledgement of wrong, more than an absolution of guilt and more than a pardon.” Rather, Hooks claims forgiveness is active, “hurtful things are not forgotten, but understood and responded to in ways that bring growth.” Forgiveness brings with it the chance to cultivate a deeper understanding and create a new beginning.
The power of forgiveness works not just through giving mercy and grace to other, but also to how we can learn and grow from the act of forgiving. A greater understanding of our situations and a shift in perspective can come from allowing ourselves to forgive. It also gives us the chance to become agents of reconciliation in our world, who use our power to love and restore.
A Guide for Practising Forgiveness
The Bible provides practical guidance for how individuals can be intentional in their practice of forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32-32 states, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” This teaches that to forgive someone is also to treat them with kindness. This may require us to overlook their wrong, even when it’s hard and takes time. From this scripture comes the invitation to forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us.
The Bible also teaches the importance of accountability. God doesn’t ignore when we commit wrong, but desires us to confess, repent and turn to Him. This is an essential aspect of forgiveness, as it speaks to the need to take responsibility for our wrongs and seek reconciliation. It reminds us that we too can experience the grace, mercy and healing in forgiveness when we seek it for ourselves.
Finally, the Bible also teaches that forgiveness requires a willingness to resolve differences. This may require forgiveness of another, but also forgiving ourselves. It is in offering ourselves grace that we allow ourselves to become true agents of forgiveness in our world. We must learn to extend mercy to others, and also recognise our own weaknesses and limitations. Through this practice, affection, understanding and communication can be restored, allowing us to forgive and be forgiven in return.
The Impact of Forgiveness on Mental Health
While it is often a difficult practice, the rewards of forgiveness can be experienced on an individual’s mental health. A study by Trapp et al, published in 2018, tested the impact of religious forgiveness on depression and happiness by surveying United States Christians. The study found that those who practiced forgiveness were more likely to experience improved general mental health.
The study available through PLOS One shows that practicing religious forgiveness showed positive results for individuals. It also showed that humility to accept one’s wrongdoings has a greater impact than regulating one’s emotions with psychological therapy. The findings of the study demonstrate the power of forgiveness and its ability to bring peace and healing to individuals.
The Bible is filled with encouragement and comforting words that can help individuals to practice forgiveness and let go. Scripture provides specific examples of people who have experienced tragedy and have managed to forgive and even love their enemies, despite the hurt they have faced. Additionally, because of Christ’s example of forgiveness, He has demonstrated the immense power of mercy and grace.
Forgiveness and Grace
The Bible continuously reminds us that despite any wrong we do in life, God’s forgiveness and grace are always available. There is no sin that God’s grace cannot redeem, and He offers mercy and grace to all who seek it.
As pastor and theology professor, Steve DeWitt puts it, in his book, “The Greatest Story,” “God’s grace is indiscriminant and universal, offered freely and extraordinarily, to all people and conditions, whatever the level of guilt or brokenness….God provided a way of saving, healing, restoring and becoming a new creation. He did this through the cross.”
It is through the power of grace, faith and forgiveness that individuals can find love and mercy in their lives. This understanding is essential for reconciliation and a new beginning. No matter the hurt we may be facing, God’s love and mercy will never fail us.
The Bible teaches that when we trust and abide in Jesus, despite wrongs taken or committed, we are restored. Our part in this is to forgive, just as our Lord has done for us. In doing so, we show the world how to offer mercy and grace, becoming an example of love, hope and restoration.
