Biblical Answer

Forgiveness and Freedom

Forgiveness is indeed a powerful act that can set us free from the weight of our past. This freedom is not just a feeling, but a reality that can be experienced through the forgiveness offered by God. As the Bible says, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). This means that no matter what we have done, God will forgive us because of Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness does not change whatever weakness led to the failure, but it can set punishment aside, and character is a question of behavior whether we get punished or not. However, forgiveness can be hard to practice, and it takes effort to perfect it.

The connection between our forgiving and being forgiven is graphically expounded in the Bible. While forgiveness may not be a one-way street, it is not a prior condition of being forgiven. Instead, forgiveness is an act of self-defense that stops the fatal bleeding of resentment. This means that when we choose to forgive, we are not necessarily asking for forgiveness from the other person, but rather from God. As the Bible says, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14-15). This means that forgiveness is not dependent on the actions of the offender, but rather on our willingness to forgive them.

The benefits of forgiveness are numerous, and have been linked to multiple positive mental and physical health outcomes. In the New Testament, the forgiveness ethic is coupled with the importance of seeking forgiveness from others. This is not always easy, and it may require us to renew our commitment to forgive when feelings of resentment or bitterness well up within us. However, when we choose to forgive, we are not just releasing the other person from their debt, but also releasing ourselves from the weight of our past. As the Bible says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13). By choosing to forgive, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from being forgiven by God.