Forgiveness & the Bible: What Does God Say?

Forgiveness is central to Christianity. It’s everywhere you look in the Bible. Yet, it’s also one of the hardest things we’re called to do.

Even if you’re not particularly religious, chances are you’ve heard about the importance of forgiveness. But what does the Bible really say about it? What does it look like to forgive someone who has hurt you? How does forgiving others relate to being forgiven ourselves?

This article will explore all these questions and more. We’ll look at examples of forgiveness throughout biblical stories, explore the relationship between forgiving others and being forgiven by God, and offer practical guidance for those seeking to extend forgiveness — or accept it.

Whether you’re looking to understand forgiveness in a more nuanced way or seeking tools to improve your ability to forgive, this article will give you a better understanding of forgiveness and the Bible.

The Foundation of Forgiveness: Key Biblical Passages

The Bible is full of teachings about forgiveness, and several passages stand out as particularly instructive. Let’s take a closer look at a few.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

In this well-known parable, Jesus tells the story of a servant who owes his master an enormous debt. Because the servant is unable to pay, the master initially orders that the servant, his wife, and his children be sold into slavery. The servant begs for mercy, and the master, moved with compassion, forgives the debt.

However, this same servant then goes out and finds a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. When this second servant can’t pay, the first servant has him thrown into prison until the debt is repaid. Other servants report this to the master, who is furious. He then rescinds his forgiveness and throws the first servant into prison to be tortured until he can repay the entire debt.

The parable emphasizes the vastness of God’s forgiveness compared to the relatively small offenses we experience from others. It highlights the critical importance of extending forgiveness to others, just as we have been forgiven. It also illustrates the direct link between our own forgiveness and the forgiveness we receive from God. The unforgiving servant’s lack of compassion ultimately leads to dire consequences.

Forgiveness in Luke and Mark

The Gospels of Luke and Mark also contain important teachings on forgiveness. Luke 17:3-4 emphasizes the need for repeated forgiveness, even if someone sins against you “seven times” in a day, if they repent, you should forgive them.

Mark 11:25 underscores the importance of forgiving others in order to receive forgiveness: “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.”

What is forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a complex topic. It’s not about saying, “That’s okay,” when it’s really not okay. It’s also not about pretending something didn’t happen or making excuses for bad behavior.

True forgiveness means letting go of the anger, resentment, and hurt. It means choosing not to dwell on the past or let it control your present. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to continue to allow someone to mistreat you.

Many passages in the Bible associate forgiveness with repentance. If someone wrongs you and expresses genuine remorse, forgiveness becomes more straightforward. It opens the door to reconciliation, even after severe offenses. However, forgiveness doesn’t necessarily require reconciliation.

It’s also vital to understand that forgiveness isn’t about being a doormat. You can forgive someone without allowing them to continue hurting you. It’s important to set healthy boundaries and hold people accountable for their actions. Forgiveness and boundaries can coexist. Setting limits in relationships is a sign of self-respect and can help prevent future hurt.

God’s Unconditional Forgiveness: A Foundation of Faith

The Bible emphasizes God’s boundless capacity for love and forgiveness. God doesn’t just offer forgiveness; He offers unconditional forgiveness. And He encourages us to do the same.

Jesus’ life and death perfectly demonstrate this love and forgiveness. He lived a life of service, teaching compassion and understanding. His death on the cross is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, offering forgiveness for the sins of humanity.

Grace plays a crucial role in both receiving and giving forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t something we earn or achieve through our own efforts. It’s a gift freely given by God. This grace empowers us to extend forgiveness to others, even when it feels difficult or undeserved.

Divine forgiveness and human forgiveness are deeply interconnected. The Bible suggests a strong link between our ability to forgive others and our own experience of God’s forgiveness. Matthew 18:35 says, “So my heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” This verse underscores the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God and with each other. Forgiving others, even when they wrong us, is a reflection of God’s love and mercy in our own lives.

Biblical narratives: Examples of forgiveness in action

The Bible offers numerous stories of forgiveness, illustrating its power and transformative effects. Let’s look at a few.

Joseph and his brothers

In the book of Genesis, Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Years later, through a series of providential events, Joseph rises to power in Egypt. When a famine strikes, his brothers travel to Egypt seeking food, unknowingly encountering the brother they betrayed. Joseph could have exacted revenge, but instead, he chooses forgiveness.

Joseph says to them, “Do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here. God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5, NKJV). Joseph recognized that even their evil actions had been used by God for good. His forgiveness led to reconciliation, saving his family from starvation. This story demonstrates that even after deep betrayal, forgiveness can pave the way for healing and restored relationships. We see a similar theme in the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, demonstrating that reconciliation is possible even after significant wrongdoing.

David and Saul

David’s story offers another powerful example. Saul, the king of Israel, becomes consumed by jealousy and relentlessly pursues David, seeking to kill him. David has multiple opportunities to harm Saul, even kill him, but he refuses. David recognizes Saul as the Lord’s anointed, respecting God’s authority even when Saul acts unjustly.

David’s restraint shows a profound understanding of forgiveness and submission to God’s will. He chooses to trust God’s timing and refuses to take matters into his own hands. This narrative highlights that forgiveness isn’t always about excusing wrongdoing, but about releasing the desire for revenge and trusting in a higher power.

The Prodigal Son

Perhaps one of the most well-known examples of forgiveness is the parable of the Prodigal Son. This story tells of a son who squanders his inheritance and returns home in shame, expecting only to be treated as a servant. However, the father welcomes him with open arms, celebrating his return with a lavish feast. This parable beautifully illustrates unconditional love and forgiveness.

The father’s actions mirror God’s boundless grace and willingness to forgive those who repent. The prodigal son story reinforces the idea that forgiveness is not earned but freely given, a testament to the transformative power of love without condition.

Forgiveness and Consequences: A Delicate Balance

Forgiveness is a complex thing, especially when harmful actions are involved. It’s crucial to understand that forgiving someone doesn’t automatically erase the need for justice or accountability. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the consequences of a person’s actions disappear.

In fact, sometimes it’s important to allow those consequences to play out, even while you’re extending forgiveness. Consequences can serve as a learning experience and help prevent future harm. Forgiveness is an internal act, while consequences are external realities.

There are also situations where, for your own safety and well-being, maintaining distance is necessary, even if you’ve chosen to forgive someone. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation. Sometimes, the wisest and most loving thing you can do for yourself is to create some space. You can forgive someone in your heart while still recognizing that a relationship is no longer healthy or safe. In those circumstances, forgiveness from afar is the best approach.

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness: Healing and Freedom

The Bible suggests that forgiveness is a gift, not just for the person being forgiven, but for the person offering it. Forgiveness benefits everyone involved.

When we forgive, we set ourselves free from the grip of anger, resentment, and bitterness. Holding onto these negative emotions can poison our minds and bodies, leading to stress, anxiety, and even physical illness. Forgiveness offers a path to personal healing, allowing us to release the pain of the past and move forward with renewed hope and peace.

Forgiveness also helps us break free from cycles of bitterness and revenge. When we refuse to forgive, we risk perpetuating a cycle of harm, passing on the pain we’ve experienced to others. By choosing forgiveness, we disrupt this cycle and create an opportunity for reconciliation and restoration. Forgiveness is a life-changing experience.

Ultimately, forgiveness is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships. When we forgive those who have wronged us, we create space for understanding, empathy, and connection. Forgiveness allows us to see others with compassion, recognizing their flaws and imperfections, and extending to them the same grace that we ourselves need.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

Forgiveness is a central theme of the Bible and a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It’s not optional; it’s crucial.

If you’re a Christian, you are called to forgive others, and choosing to do so can set you on a path toward personal healing, spiritual growth, and stronger relationships. When you forgive, you’re not excusing someone’s behavior. Instead, you’re choosing to turn your attention toward God’s goodness rather than your own pain.

Forgiveness has transformative power. When you extend it, and when you receive it, you can experience a profound sense of freedom and peace. God’s forgiveness is available to everyone, regardless of what they’ve done. And as you learn to forgive others, you might find it easier to forgive yourself, too, and to live a life filled with grace and compassion.