Biblical Answer

The Value of Forgiveness in Our Daily Routines

When we've been hurt and are feeling anxious, forgiveness can seem like an impossible task. However, forgiveness is not just a moral virtue, but also an act of self-defense against the fatal bleeding of resentment. It's a process that requires practice to perfect, and one that can bring us closer to God and His community. In Matthew 6:12-15, we see that forgiveness is a part of our daily prayer, and that it's linked to our relationship with God. When we forgive, we're not only releasing the other person from their debt to us, but also ourselves from the burden of resentment and anger.

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is a quality that members of the body are to possess (1 Peter 3:8). It's a tender and sensitive feeling that allows us to let go of the pain and hurt caused by others. Forgiveness doesn't mean that we condone or forget what happened, but rather that we choose not to let it define us. In fact, forgiveness is often the most extreme form of anger, as it refuses to be affected by the other person. It's a choice to relinquish our bitterness and anger, and to instead choose peace and reconciliation. This is not always easy, and it often requires us to confront our own pain and hurt.

The connection between our forgiving and being forgiven is graphically expounded in Scripture. While forgiveness is not a prior condition of being forgiven, it's clear that forgiveness cannot be a one-way street. When we forgive others, we're not only releasing them from their debt to us, but also ourselves from the burden of resentment and anger. This is why forgiveness is so important in our daily routines. It's a way to let go of the past and move forward, and to experience the peace and reconciliation that comes from being forgiven by God. As we practice forgiveness, we're not only healing ourselves, but also deepening our relationship with God and others. Ultimately, forgiveness is a gift that we receive from God, and one that we can extend to others through our actions and choices.