Forgiveness is a central teaching in the Bible. Scripture makes it clear that God calls us to forgive others, even when it is difficult. Here are some key reasons why we should choose forgiveness according to the Bible:
1. Because God Forgives Us
The Bible teaches that all people are sinners who fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Despite our sin and rebellion against Him, God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8). While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, taking the punishment we deserved (Romans 5:6-8).
God’s forgiveness of our sins serves as the model for how we are to forgive others. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Since God has so freely forgiven us, we should extend that same grace to others. As Matthew 18:21-22 declares, we should be willing to forgive people abundantly, just as God has so abundantly forgiven us.
2. Because Unforgiveness is Harmful to Us
Choosing not to forgive others takes a devastating toll on our lives. Holding onto bitterness and anger eats away at us on the inside. In the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus compares unforgiveness to a torturer, handed over to tormentors until the debt is repaid (v. 34).
Unforgiveness also breaks our fellowship with God. Jesus said in the Lord’s Prayer that we ask God to “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Our willingness to forgive others is directly tied to receiving forgiveness from God. If we do not forgive, we should not expect God’s forgiveness towards our own sins (Matthew 6:14-15).
For our own spiritual and emotional health, we must release others from their debt to us by extending forgiveness. As Proverbs 17:9 explains, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” Forgiveness draws us closer to others and preserves relationships.
3. Because Bitterness Only Hurts Us
When we refuse to forgive someone who has wronged us, the bitterness takes root and festers inside. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” Holding onto bitterness will corrupt and defile our hearts.
Rather than letting bitterness take hold, Jesus calls us to forgive others from our hearts (Matthew 18:35). We might still feel the hurt, but we can release the anger and desire for vengeance to God. Forgiveness is an act of the will, by faith, even when emotions are still raw. As Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.”
4. Because Reconciliation is More Important than Vindication
Our natural impulse is to demand justice when someone has wronged us. However, insistence on vindication often spirals into an endless cycle of retaliation. Jesus’ radical command is to break this cycle through forgiveness.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39).
Rather than demanding our rights, Christ calls us to a higher way of peace through sacrifice and service (Matthew 5:43-48). This posture of forgiveness opens the door for reconciliation and restoration of relationships. Our witness to the world is also at stake when we choose forgiveness over personal vindication (John 13:35).
5. Because Forgiveness Brings Freedom and Joy
Forgiving others liberates us from the crippling weight of bitterness, anger and fear. It relieves our soul from the corrosion of resentment and thoughts of revenge. As Hebrews 12:2 says, we look to Christ as the “founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”
Though incredibly difficult in the moment, the joy comes when we choose to forgive. Free from the burden of unforgiveness, we reflect Christ’s love to others (John 13:34-35). We can pray for blessing, not cursing, on those who harmed us (Luke 6:28). We leave room for God’s justice and mercy to prevail. Forgiveness paves the way for the joy and freedom of restored relationships. As Colossians 3:13 reminds us, we are to “forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven you.”
6. Because Forgiveness Breaks the Cycle of Sin
Sin perpetuates more sin. When we hold bitterness and anger towards those who have wronged us, we often end up hurting them in return. This cycle of vengeance and violence seems inescapable at times.
Forgiveness offers the sole means to break free from this destructive cycle. As Galatians 5:15 warns, “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Forgiveness stops the bite of sin in its tracks. When reviled, Jesus did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23). Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of his murderers as he was being stoned to death (Acts 7:60). Their examples illustrate the power of forgiveness to stop the spread of sin.
As Romans 12:21 says: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Forgiveness overcomes the evil of sin with the good of grace and mercy. It stops the fruitless cycle of revenge so healing can begin.
7. Because Forgiveness Opens the Door for Changed Hearts
When we forgive someone unconditionally, it creates an opportunity for transformation. The other person may continue in the same hurtful patterns. But by scattering the “seed” of forgiveness, we open the door for God to work repentance and restoration.
In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus said “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Our instinct is to recoil and withdraw when harmed. But Christ calls us to lean in with uncommon, unrelenting love. Forgiveness does not excuse wrong behavior. But it opens the way for God’s Spirit to soften hearts and bring redeeming change.
And if the other person continues in stubborn impenitence, our forgiveness serves as a testimony that points them to the cross. As Romans 12:20 reminds us, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” Our forgiving response in the face of wrongdoing offers hope and grace despite the persistence of sin.
8. Because Forgiveness Points to the Gospel
Forgiveness provides a picture of the gospel message we believe. Ephesians 1:7 tells us plainly that: “In [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Our forgiveness is only possible because while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
When we choose to forgive others, we put the gospel on display. Despite the injustice against us, we choose mercy. Through forgiveness, we extend the same grace that Christ lavished upon us. As Colossians 3:13 says, “forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Our gospel mission as ambassadors of Christ is to be ministers of reconciliation in a broken world (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
9. Because It’s an Act of Worship to God
Practicing forgiveness not only blesses other people. It primarily brings glory and pleasure to God Himself. When asked by Peter how many times we must forgive, Jesus answered “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). God calls us to lavish forgiveness on others, not just insofar as it benefits relationships or furthers the gospel. But because forgiveness brings joy to the very heart of God.
As Ephesians 4:32 reminds us: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” We forgive because it reflects the very nature and glory of God. He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6-7). When we forgivingly endure wrongs done against us, we worship God by mirroring His gracious character to the world.
10. Because We Are Commanded to Forgive
Most fundamentally, followers of Jesus Christ should practice forgiveness because it is repeatedly commanded in Scripture. Colossians 3:13 instructs plainly, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This directive is repeated multiple times by Christ and His apostles (Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 17:3-4).
As children of our heavenly Father, when we are wronged the gracious response is forgiveness. We forgive because we are Christians under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. By the enablement of the Holy Spirit, we follow our Master in His willingness to forgive sin and restore the broken. Simply put, the Bible commands that we forgive as those fully forgiven through Christ (Ephesians 4:32).
In conclusion, Scripture offers many compelling reasons for the practice of forgiveness. Forgiveness reflects God’s gracious heart. It frees us from sin’s corrosion. It opens the door for reconciliation and changed hearts. Forgiveness overcomes evil with good. As those who have received immense mercy from Christ, we forgive in worshipful obedience to God. By God’s grace, may we extend forgiveness to reflect the gospel of grace we have received.