Forgive so you can be forgiven

The theme of forgiveness is one of the deepest themes of the Bible. It must be recognized that for many it is extremely difficult to forgive or ask for forgiveness. For many, asking for forgiveness is an act of humiliation and they do not want to humble themselves before others, however, the Bible says: “God looks at the humble up close and the proud up at a distance.”

Forgiveness is not only a doctrine; it is a lifestyle that reflects the very heart of God. Throughout Scripture, forgiveness appears as a divine gift capable of restoring relationships, healing wounds, and freeing the heart from bitterness. When we refuse to forgive, we hold on to chains that hurt us more than the offense itself. This is why the Bible repeatedly invites us to examine our hearts and allow God to shape us through humility and mercy.

On the other hand, the issue of forgiving others is difficult for many, but, in the prayer that Jesus taught us, He says: “Forgive our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us”. This is Christianity: “Forgive.”

Those words from the Lord’s Prayer reveal a profound truth: our willingness to forgive is deeply connected to our understanding of God’s grace. A person who knows they have been forgiven much learns to forgive much. Yet this is a process that requires maturity, spiritual growth, and a heart that recognizes its own need for mercy. True forgiveness does not deny the pain or pretend that nothing happened; rather, it confronts the wound and chooses love over resentment. This decision aligns us with the character of Christ and sets us free from the poison of hatred.

Remember something, we have received the greatest forgiveness, that being us sinful candidates for hell, Christ forgave us and offered Himself for us and redeemed us from sin. Would you have done the same for a friend? Would you forgive a friend of some sin he committed against you? So the point is that we should look like Christ, and if we want to be like Christ, then we should learn to forgive those who offend us, because in this way teach us the Holy Scriptures.

Reflecting on the forgiveness we received through Christ helps us understand how immense this gift truly is. None of us deserved His grace, yet He gave it freely. When we compare our offenses before God with the offenses others commit against us, we realize that no grievance is too great to forgive. Forgiveness does not always restore the relationship to what it was, but it does restore our peace and honors God.

Jesus taught about forgiveness and we see this in the Bible when He says:

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:24-26

Jesus tells us that when we are praying, if we have anything against someone we must forgive him, so that in the same way our Father who is in heaven will forgive us.

This teaching emphasizes that forgiveness is not optional; it is a requirement for those who wish to walk in fellowship with God. Prayer loses its purity when our hearts are full of resentment. That is why Jesus connects prayer with forgiveness: the one who prays must also purify the heart. When we forgive, the spiritual atmosphere around us changes, and our relationship with God is strengthened.

Every day we must learn more and more about forgiveness, although this is very difficult for man, because the nature of man does not allow him to humble himself before others or accept his error. But, we as Christians must be totally different. Let us forgive!

To forgive is to let God act in our hearts. It is to surrender our right to revenge and trust that God is the righteous judge. As Christians, we must strive to live a lifestyle marked by mercy, always remembering that forgiveness is a testimony of the transforming power of the gospel. The world needs to see believers who reflect Christ not only with words but with actions, especially the action of forgiving.