As such, this paper offers a summary of forgiveiveness in the Bible.
The concept of forgiveness is not a trifling one in Scripture. It is central to the gospel and it is the center of God. In order to know forgiveness, you have to know how God forgives and then how He calls you to forgive others.
Forgiveness does not indicate weakness. It is obedience. Neither is it forgetting pain. It is the decision to have faith in God and give up what you have.
The Bible has much to say about forgiveness.
Biblical forgiveness is the discharging, sending away, or canceling a debt.
In Scripture we have found that sin is a debt which we cannot redeem ourselves.
Forgive us our debts, we forgive our debtors, as well.
Forgiveness is therefore not turning a blind eye to crimes. It is choosing not to have the right to repayment.
It is the gift of grace depending on the nature of God.
Forgiveness of God to Us.
The forgiveness begins with God Himself.
And in case we confess our sins, He is true and just that He forgives us our sins and cleanses us of all unrighteousness.
God is not forgiving us because we are undeserving. He is a faithful and just person who forgives.
It is forgiveness because of Jesus Christ.
In Him we can have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.
Forgiveness was completely manifested at the cross. Jesus took the suffering we could not afford.
The Call to Forgive One Another.
Forgiveness is something that a believer cannot do without.
Forgive and I shall forgive thee. — Luke 6:37.
Jesus associates forgiveness to giving forgiveness.
This is not of getting salvation. It is of being in harmony with the heart of God.
The Difficulty of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not easy since it is contrary to the human nature.
You may feel:
Hurt
Betrayed
Angry
They had a reason to be hanging on.
It is not good to keep these feelings. It merely keeps you in shackles.
Be nice to each other, have tender hearts, forgive each other, as God in Christ forgave you.
Forgiveness requires surrender. You leave the pain to God and leave it to Him to handle.
Forgiveness is a Process, Not an Event.
Forgiveness does not necessarily come quickly.
At times, you choose to forgive, yet your feelings require time to catch up with your choice.
This is normal.
You may need to:
Pray repeatedly
Recidivate the crime.
Protect your heart against bitterness
Forgiveness is a daily position at the feet of God.
Forgiveness Does Not Just Happen.
There is a difference between forgiveness and trust.
Forgiveness is immediate. Building of trust is progressive.
It is possible to forgive someone and leave boundaries.
Guard thys heart most of all, all that thou doest runneth out of thy heart.
Wisdom safeguards your heart and forgiveness purifies your heart to God.
The Aftereffects of Unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness is dangerous.
You will never forgive your sins without forgiving the sins of others. — Matthew 6:15.
Bitterness leads to poor relationship with God.
It can lead to:
Spiritual dryness
Inner unrest
Separation between God and Himself.
Unforgiveness is a weight that was never to be taken.
If your heart feels dry or distant, this next study will help you return to God: Overcoming Spiritual Dryness: A Biblical Guide
The Practice of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not a natural thing. It is intentional.
To take to God in prayer.
Be frank with God concerning the pain.
2. Determine to Forgive the Crime.
Decide to release it even when your emotions do not want to.
3. Ask God for Help
Thou can not forgive with thy own might.
4. Substitute Bitterness with Prayer.
Even when it becomes hard, pray to the person.
Love your neighbors and pray to your suppressors.
The Case of Jesus.
The ideal model of forgiveness is Jesus.
In the middle of the suffering on the cross He said:
Father, forgive them, they do not know what they do.
This is not the way of nature. It is divine.
Jesus demonstrates forgiveness even when one is in great agony.
Forgiveness and Freedom
Forgiveness brings freedom.
When you forgive:
You discharge spiritual baggage.
You open your heart to peace
You walk in submissiveness.
“Freedom Christ has made us free.”
Unforgiveness binds you. Being able to forgive frees you.
Final Reflection
The Christian life revolves around forgiveness.
God has completely forgiven you through Christ. Now He invites you to walk in that grace.
Forgiveness does not excuse sin. It frees you of its hold.
Choose to forgive. It is not a simple thing to do, but it is right.
Turn to God what thou can not.
Prayer
Oh Lord, make me know how to forgive as You have forgiven me. Take out the bitterness of my heart. Assist me to let go of the pain I have been holding onto and have faith in You in righteousness. Make me stronger to do even what is hard. May my heart be thy grace. Amen in the name of Jesus.
