Forgiveness is a cornerstone of biblical teaching, but does it mean we must forget the wrongs done to us? The Bible encourages forgiveness but doesn’t demand that we erase the memory of the offense. Instead, it teaches us to release the bitterness while learning from the experience.
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What Does The Bible Say About Forgiving But Not Forgetting
Genesis 50:17
“'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.' When their message came to him, Joseph wept.”
This verse demonstrates the power of forgiveness, as Joseph chooses to forgive his brothers despite the pain they caused him. However, it also highlights that forgiveness does not require forgetting, as Joseph weeps when reminded of their sins. Forgiving but not forgetting means acknowledging the pain caused by others while choosing to release resentment and extend mercy.
It is important to remember that forgiving but not forgetting does not mean holding onto bitterness or seeking revenge. Rather, it means being cautious and setting boundaries when necessary, while still choosing to show grace and reconciliation towards others.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God. By forgiving others, we open ourselves to receiving forgiveness from God. However, choosing not to forgive others hinders our own forgiveness and restoration with God. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with these verses by acknowledging the need to extend forgiveness to others while still remembering the lessons learned from past hurts.
Forgiveness cultivates a spirit of humility, compassion, and grace within us. While we may remember the actions of others, forgiving but not forgetting allows us to break free from the burden of holding onto grudges and experience the freedom that comes from releasing resentment and embracing forgiveness.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them.”
These verses highlight the transformative nature of forgiveness. Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be extended even when someone repeatedly sins against us, emphasizing the importance of mercy and reconciliation in relationships. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with these verses by acknowledging the need to address and confront wrongdoing while still offering forgiveness and seeking restoration.
By forgiving but not forgetting, we invite others to acknowledge their actions, repent, and experience the transformative power of forgiveness. It also allows us to maintain healthy boundaries and promote accountability in relationships, while still displaying Christ-like compassion and grace.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul encourages believers to mirror God’s forgiveness in their relationships with others. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this verse by emphasizing the need to extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to one another as God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ.
Choosing to forgive but not forget acknowledges the reality of human nature and the need to guard our hearts, while still striving to emulate Christ’s forgiveness in our interactions. It allows us to navigate future interactions with wisdom, discernment, and love, while still maintaining a forgiving and merciful attitude.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of patience, endurance, and forgiveness in our relationships. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with these teachings by emphasizing the call to bear with one another, acknowledging the grievances we may have, and extending forgiveness as Jesus has forgiven us.
Choosing to forgive but not forget enables us to cultivate healthier and more Christ-centered relationships, reconciling with one another while still remembering the lessons learned from past offenses. It also opens the door for growth, restoration, and reconciliation in relationships, as we imitate the forgiveness we have received from God.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever forgives an offense seeks love but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the consequences of holding onto offenses and failing to forgive. It encourages us to seek love by extending forgiveness rather than becoming embroiled in repeated offenses, which can ultimately lead to the separation of close relationships.
Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this verse by emphasizing the importance of seeking reconciliation and preserving the bond of love in relationships. It involves choosing to let go of past offenses while still remembering the lessons learned and establishing healthy boundaries to protect oneself from further harm.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
In these verses, Jesus challenges Peter’s understanding of forgiveness by emphasizing its unlimited nature. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with Jesus’ teaching by acknowledging the call to continuously extend forgiveness to others, no matter how many times they may wrong us.
Choosing to forgive but not forget requires a deep commitment to a posture of forgiveness, reflecting the grace and mercy that God has shown us. It also recognizes that forgiveness is a process that may require time and healing, while still extending the love and grace of God to others.
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
This verse warns against speaking ill of others and passing judgment. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by discouraging the act of speaking against others based on past offenses, and instead encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation.
Choosing to forgive but not forget promotes a culture of love, respect, and unity, while also recognizing the importance of addressing and resolving conflicts. It allows us to break the cycle of gossip and judgment, focusing instead on building healthy relationships through forgiveness and understanding.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse emphasizes the wisdom and glory that comes from overlooking offenses. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this principle by acknowledging the choice to let go of past offenses in pursuit of peace, harmony, and personal growth.
Choosing to forgive but not forget requires wisdom and discernment to determine when it is necessary to overlook an offense for the sake of unity and the restoration of relationships. It also provides an opportunity for personal growth and maturity as we learn to extend grace and love to others.
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
This verse instructs us to refrain from judging and condemning others, highlighting the connection between forgiveness and our own forgiveness from God. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with these teachings by promoting a mindset of forgiveness and grace, allowing us to experience the fullness of God’s forgiveness in our own lives.
Choosing to forgive but not forget means releasing the right to judge or condemn others, and instead extending forgiveness as we have been forgiven by God through Christ. It reflects an attitude of humility, recognizing that we are all in need of forgiveness and understanding.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of preventing conflicts before they escalate. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this wisdom by encouraging us to drop the matter and let go of past offenses, preventing them from growing into irreconcilable disputes.
Choosing to forgive but not forget allows us to defuse conflicts and promote healthy relationships by refusing to let past offenses dictate our interactions. It fosters an environment of understanding, empathy, and peace, where reconciliation and forgiveness can thrive.
Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
In this verse, the prophet Micah praises God for His character of forgiveness and mercy. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this verse by acknowledging the transformative power of forgiveness and the joy that comes from extending mercy to others.
Choosing to forgive but not forget reflects the heart of God, who forgives and delights in showing mercy. It allows us to imitate His character and experience the freedom and joy that comes from extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Proverbs 12:16
“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
This proverb contrasts the reactions of fools and the wise when faced with insults. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by encouraging us to exercise prudence and overlook insults, refusing to hold grudges or seek revenge.
Choosing to forgive but not forget requires emotional maturity and self-control, allowing us to rise above the urge to retaliate and instead extend forgiveness and understanding. It promotes harmony and unity in relationships, paving the way for reconciliation and healing.
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.”
Paul exhorts believers in this verse to refrain from taking revenge, recognizing that vengeance belongs to God alone. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by relinquishing the desire for personal retribution and trusting in God’s ultimate justice.
Choosing to forgive but not forget involves releasing the need for revenge and instead entrusting the situation to God. It allows us to move forward in healing and reconciliation, knowing that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“It [love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
In this chapter known as the “love chapter,” Paul describes the characteristics of genuine love. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by emphasizing the importance of not keeping a record of wrongs but instead extending grace and forgiveness.
Choosing to forgive but not forget reflects the sacrificial and selfless love that God calls us to demonstrate in our relationships. It enables us to break free from a cycle of resentment and bitterness, cultivating an atmosphere of love, understanding, and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciliation before approaching God in worship. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by acknowledging the need for reconciliation and forgiveness in our relationships with others.
Choosing to forgive but not forget encourages us to prioritize reconciliation, promoting emotional healing and restoring broken relationships. It allows us to approach God with a clean heart, having made every effort to seek forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This proverb contrasts the effects of hatred and love in relationships. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by emphasizing the power of love to cover over wrongs and promote reconciliation.
Choosing to forgive but not forget involves letting go of hatred and embracing love. It allows us to overcome conflict and foster an atmosphere of healing, grace, and forgiveness, where relationships can be restored and strengthened.
Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
This verse praises God for His forgiving nature and His abundant love. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this verse by reflecting God’s character of forgiveness and love in our own interactions.
Choosing to forgive but not forget enables us to extend the same forgiveness and goodness that God shows us. It allows love to abound in our relationships as we imitate God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness towards others.
Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
This proverb teaches the importance of wise speech and understanding. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by promoting restraint in our words and choosing not to belittle or mock others.
Choosing to forgive but not forget involves holding our tongues and using our words to build up rather than tear down. It fosters understanding, empathy, and reconciliation in relationships, promoting a culture of forgiveness and respect.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
In these verses from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges His followers to love and pray for their enemies. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by emphasizing the choice to extend love and forgiveness, even to those who have wronged us.
Choosing to forgive but not forget involves praying for the well-being and transformation of those who have hurt us, entrusting them to God’s love and justice. It demonstrates the radical love of Christ and opens the door for healing, reconciliation, and the possibility of reconciliation.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
The apostle Peter exhorts believers to love one another deeply, recognizing the power of love to cover over sins. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by promoting a culture of love that seeks restoration rather than condemnation.
Choosing to forgive but not forget involves extending the deep love that God has shown us to others, offering forgiveness and covering over offenses through the power of love. It creates an environment of grace, where healing, restoration, and forgiveness can flourish.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
These verses contain the words of Jesus, urging His followers to respond to hatred and mistreatment with love, goodness, blessings, and prayers. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with this teaching by choosing to respond to harm with grace and showing the love of Christ.
Choosing to forgive but not forget involves rising above personal offenses and extending kindness and blessings to those who have wronged us. It allows us to break the cycle of hatred and retaliation, inviting God’s transformative power into the situation.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
In this well-known passage about love, Paul describes its qualities. Forgiving but not forgetting aligns with these teachings by highlighting the importance of love that is patient, kind, forgiving, and keeps no record of wrongs.
Choosing to forgive but not forget reflects the selfless and forgiving nature of love, allowing us to extend grace and forgiveness while still remembering the lessons learned from past offenses. It sets the foundation for healthy relationships, promoting healing, and true reconciliation.