Biblical Answer

Can forgiveness truly set us free?

Forgiveness is a complex and multifaceted concept that is deeply connected to our relationship with God and with others. According to the Bible, forgiveness is not just a moral obligation, but a divine gift that brings freedom and restoration. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches that if we forgive others, God will forgive us, and if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us. This connection between our forgiving and being forgiven is graphically expounded, indicating that forgiveness is not just a one-way transaction, but a two-way street.

Forgiveness is not just a feeling or an emotional response, but a deliberate act of the will that requires practice and discipline to perfect. As the Bible teaches, forgiveness is an act of self-defense, a tourniquet that stops the fatal bleeding of resentment (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). True forgiveness is a process, not an event, and it often requires us to relinquish our bitterness and resentment multiple times before we can truly let go. This process of forgiveness is not just about releasing others from our anger and resentment, but also about releasing ourselves from the toxic effects of unforgiveness.

The cost of forgiveness is not to be underestimated. As the Bible teaches, forgiveness cost the agony at Calvary, where Jesus bore the weight of sin and died for our sins (Romans 3:25). Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace, and it requires a willingness to let go of our pride, our anger, and our resentment. When we forgive, we are not just forgiving others, but also ourselves, and we are freeing ourselves from the chains of unforgiveness. Forgiveness is not a one-time event, but a daily choice that requires us to pass on the gift of forgiveness to others, just as God has passed on the gift of forgiveness to us through Jesus Christ. As we forgive others, we are reminded of the enormous cost to God of our salvation, and we are motivated to live a life of gratitude, humility, and forgiveness.