“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Forgiveness is a central message in the Bible.
It is not just a suggestion but something that God asks His people to practice.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, forgiveness is mentioned many times as part of how we should treat one another.
Forgiveness Comes from God
The Bible teaches that forgiveness starts with God.
He is the one who forgives all sins when people turn to Him with a true heart.
God’s mercy is shown again and again, even when His people make many mistakes.
One of the best-known examples is King David, who sinned but asked God for forgiveness with a humble heart.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
God’s forgiveness is complete and full. When He forgives, He does not hold the sin against us anymore.
He wants His people to live with peace, not with guilt and shame.
Jesus Taught Forgiveness Often
Jesus spoke a lot about forgiveness during His time on earth.
He not only taught it with words but also showed it by how He treated others.
One powerful moment was when He forgave those who were putting Him to death.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus also gave a well-known teaching when Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone.
“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22)
This means we should keep forgiving and not count how many times someone has done wrong.
Forgiveness should be part of a Christian’s daily life, just like prayer and kindness.
We Must Forgive Others
The Bible clearly says that if we want God to forgive us, we must also forgive others.
Jesus included this in the Lord’s Prayer, which many Christians know and say often.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
This shows that our relationship with God is linked to how we treat other people.
If we hold on to anger and do not forgive, it becomes harder for us to feel the peace that God gives.
Forgiving others may not always be easy, but it is something that God asks from us.
Forgiveness Helps the Heart
Letting go of hurt and pain can bring healing to the heart.
The Bible tells us not to let bitterness take root because it can cause harm to us and others.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)
When we forgive, we are not saying the wrong was okay, but we are choosing not to carry the burden anymore.
Forgiveness is more about freeing the person who was hurt than it is about the one who caused the pain.
It opens the way for peace and healing to take place.
God’s Forgiveness Is a Gift
The Bible says that all people have sinned, but God offers forgiveness through Jesus.
It is not something that can be earned by doing good things.
It is a gift from God that comes through faith.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
This means anyone can come to God, no matter what they have done in the past.
God is always ready to forgive when someone truly turns to Him.
This is one of the most comforting truths found in the Bible.