Forgiving others isn’t always easy, especially when the wounds are deep. Holding onto grudges can feel justified, but the Bible warns us about the dangers of refusing to forgive. Today, we’ll look at how Scripture calls us to release bitterness, embrace forgiveness, and reflect God’s love, even when it’s hard.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Regret And Guilt
What Does The Bible Say About Not Forgiving
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. Choosing not to forgive others can hinder our own forgiveness from God. It reminds us that forgiveness is not optional in the Christian faith, but rather a commandment that we must obey.
Forgiveness is a powerful act of love and grace that sets us free from bitterness and resentment. By forgiving others, we also reflect the forgiveness we have received from God, extending His mercy to those who have wronged us.
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 encourages us to bear with each other and extend forgiveness, following the example of how the Lord forgave us. It reminds us that forgiveness is an ongoing process, and we should not hold grudges or harbor bitterness towards others.
Forgiveness allows reconciliation and restoration in relationships, promoting unity and peace among believers. It requires humility and a willingness to let go of past hurts, choosing love and forgiveness instead.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse encourages us to be kind and compassionate towards one another, demonstrating forgiveness as God has forgiven us through Christ. It highlights the importance of extending grace and mercy to others rather than holding onto resentment.
Forgiveness is a manifestation of God’s love within us, enabling us to release others from the burdens of their mistakes and offenses. It helps us maintain healthy relationships and promotes a culture of forgiveness within the Christian community.
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 this passage, Peter seeks clarification from Jesus on the number of times he should forgive someone. Jesus emphasizes the unlimited nature of forgiveness, suggesting that we should forgive others continuously without keeping count.
This verse challenges our natural inclination to draw limits on forgiveness and reminds us of the boundless grace and mercy that God extends to us. It teaches us to show the same forgiveness to others, no matter how many times they may wrong us.
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 serves as a reminder to avoid passing judgment or condemning others, and instead, choose forgiveness. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of our own forgiveness with our willingness to forgive others.
By withholding judgment and choosing forgiveness, we reflect the character of Christ and invite His forgiveness and grace into our own lives. It encourages us to let go of bitterness and resentment, embracing a posture of forgiveness towards all.
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
This verse highlights the importance of forgiving others while in prayer. It emphasizes the link between our ability to receive forgiveness from God and our willingness to extend forgiveness to others.
Forgiveness is not just a one-time action but an ongoing practice rooted in love and humility. When we forgive, we align ourselves with God’s heart and open ourselves to experience the fullness of His forgiveness and restoration.
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.”
This verse teaches us the importance of reconciliation and seeking forgiveness when there is unresolved conflict with someone. It emphasizes the need to prioritize relationships and unity over religious rituals.
Before coming before God with our worship and offerings, we are called to make things right with others. This verse reminds us that forgiveness and reconciliation should be at the forefront of our interactions, reflecting the humility and love of Christ.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
This verse encourages open confession and accountability within the Christian community. It emphasizes the power of prayer and the healing that comes through seeking forgiveness and intercession from fellow believers.
Confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness not only restores our relationship with God but also promotes healing and growth in our relationships with others. It creates an atmosphere of trust, vulnerability, and support, allowing for spiritual and emotional healing.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and patience in dealing with offenses. It encourages us to take the high road by choosing to overlook minor offenses rather than hold onto grudges.
By exercising wisdom and prudence, we demonstrate humility and promote unity in relationships. Overlooking offenses allows us to focus on what truly matters and avoids unnecessary strife and division.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples about the importance of rebuking and forgiving those who sin against them. He emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness, even when the offense is repeated numerous times.
This verse challenges our natural inclination to hold onto grudges and resentments, reminding us of the unlimited grace and mercy that God extends to us. It teaches us to extend the same forgiveness to others, being quick to forgive and fostering an environment of repentance and reconciliation.