Why should we forgive?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that God forgave us and expects us to forgive others. Most people associate this teaching with the New Testament, but it is just as prevalent in the Old Testament. The Old Testament records many instances of God’s forgiveness of sins, from the numerous times He forgave the idolatrous nation of Israel to His patience with followers like David who transgressed from His law (Exodus 34:7; Numbers 14:18–20; Psalm 103:8–12). In fact, the Mosaic Law includes commands to love our neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), and that logically includes being forgiving toward them. The wisdom of Proverbs counsels us to overlook offenses, rather than holding onto grudges (Proverbs 19:11; 24:29). The New Testament emphasizes Jesus’s forgiveness of our sins (Colossians 2:13–14; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7–9) and the expectation that we should extend forgiveness toward others (Matthew 6:14–15; 18:22; Ephesians 4:31–32). A forgiving heart is a sign of a regenerate believer (1 John 4:20).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Many believe that the “love your neighbor” command is first mentioned in the New Testament, but it’s actually part of the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 19:18). Loving your neighbor includes forgiving transgressions.
• Proverbs speaks of the importance of overlooking offenses (Proverbs 19:11: 24:29).
• God puts our transgressions as far from Him as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12), and He expects us to extend this same grace to others.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus said we are to forgive one another seventy times seven times (Matthew 18:22), meaning that we should forgive so much that it becomes second nature, our automatic response to offenses.
• God forgave us while we were His enemies (Romans 5:10), and we should do likewise with one another.
• God commands us to forgive others. Those who do not forgive show that they have not been forgiven because a truly regenerated heart is a forgiving heart (Matthew 6:14–15).
• If we are filled with resentment and bitterness, we are exhibiting the "works of the flesh," not the fruit of the Spirit, which is evidence of true salvation (Galatians 5:19–23).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Revenge is sweet. What goes around comes around. Don’t get mad—get even.

Most of us know these sayings; many of us may have even said them. But they’re all lies.

In our flawed human nature, we may experience a twisted satisfaction in holding a grudge and getting revenge against those who have done us wrong. Maybe the reasons for our feelings are right: We want justice.

But we aren’t the Judge, so we can’t administer true justice. We are to leave judgment to our all-just, omniscient Lord (Romans 12:19). God has promised us perfect justice (Revelation 6:9–10; 20:11–12).

Besides, while we’re pointing the finger at those who wronged us, others are pointing the finger at us. We are all sinners who deserve death. But those who follow Christ have been cleansed of sin and given eternal life. God’s mercy toward us exemplifies the mercy we must show toward others. We forgive others because God has forgiven us (Luke 6:36–37; Ephesians 4:32).

UNDERSTAND

• God commands us to forgive because He has first forgiven us.
• Forgiveness reveals a changed, Spirit-filled heart.
• Forgiveness frees us from bitterness and taking matters into our own hands.

REFLECT

• What thoughts or emotions come up when you think about someone who has wronged you, and how do those affect your willingness to forgive?
• How does God's forgiveness toward you shape how you view people who have wronged you?
• How does holding onto resentment impact your relationship with God and others?

ENGAGE

• What do our reactions to being wronged reveal about how deeply we understand God’s character?
• How can we practice forgiveness in situations where the hurt is ongoing or unresolved?
• What insights from Scripture have most challenged or transformed your view of forgiveness?