How powerful is forgiveness in our daily walk as Christians and what inspiration can we get from the Bible?
Forgiveness is a vital aspect of the Christian faith and is central to our relationship with God and with others. It’s about letting go of anger, resentment, and bitterness and choosing to extend grace and mercy instead.
“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.”
– Matthew 5:23-24
When we forgive, we are imitating the love and forgiveness that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 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.”
Forgiveness is not always easy, and it takes time, effort, and a conscious decision to let go of the hurt and pain. It requires us to put aside our own needs and desires and extend grace and mercy to those who have wronged us.
We all have individual experiences of hurt and pain and the need to forgive. As we read the scriptures and seek God’s guidance, we receive the grace to forgive. As we choose to extend grace and mercy, we find healing and freedom in our own heart.
The disciples asked Jesus Christ a question – how many times do I forgive someone who offends me?
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Jesus then told the disciples a parable to reflect what it means to forgive.
Jesus told the disciples a parable in Matthew 18:21-35. The parable of the king who settled accounts with his servants and forgives the one who owed him a large debt but cannot pay it. The same servant refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a small debt. The moral of the story is that just as the king forgave the servant, we too should forgive others from our hearts.
Unfortunately several times in life we act like the servant who refused to forgive and let go of the debt that was owed him. We should extend to others the forgiveness that we desire to receive. Since we know that we all have offended others in life most of the time unintentionally
Forgiveness is not just about releasing the other person from the wrong they have done. It’s also about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness. When we forgive, we can experience peace, joy, and freedom in our own lives.
5 Benefits of Forgiving Others
In addition to all the spiritual significance and guidance given by Jesus Christ. Here are some benefits of forgiveness for the person who forgives and the person who is being forgiven.
- Improved mental and emotional health: Forgiveness can reduce stress, anxiety, anger and depression, and promote feelings of peace, happiness and inner calm.
- Better physical health: Forgiveness has been linked to reduced symptoms of chronic pain, lower blood pressure, and improved heart health.
- Stronger relationships: Forgiveness can improve relationships with others, helping to build trust, respect and love.
- Increased personal growth: Forgiveness is a sign of strength and maturity and can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
- Overall, forgiveness can help individuals to move past hurt and trauma and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Forgiving others is a critical part of the Christian walk, but it’s also important to seek forgiveness from others. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus tells us to go and be reconciled with others before offering our gifts to God. In other words, it’s important to make things right with those we’ve hurt before seeking forgiveness from God.
In conclusion, forgiveness is a powerful aspect of the Christian faith that can transform our relationships with God and with others. It takes time, effort, and a conscious decision to extend grace and mercy, but the benefits are well worth it. Let’s choose to forgive and experience the freedom and healing that it brings.
