Biblical Answer

The Biblical Teaching on Forgiveness

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. In Matthew 6:12, Jesus instructs his followers to pray, Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God and with others. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is not dependent on the actions of the offender, but rather on the willingness of the offended to forgive (Eph. 4:32). In fact, Jesus teaches that we are to forgive others not seven times, but seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22).

The Conditionality of Forgiveness

While forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, it is not unconditional. The Bible teaches that forgiveness requires repentance on the part of the offender (Luke 17:3-4). If the offender repents, we are to forgive him. However, if the offender does not repent, we are not to hold the sin against him (Matthew 18:15-17). This is because forgiveness is not a matter of forgetting, but rather of not holding a person's sin against him. In addition, the Bible teaches that forgiveness is linked to the cross of Christ, and that righteousness with God comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25-26).

The Practice of Forgiveness

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a practice that we are to engage in regularly. In Colossians 3:13, we are told to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. This means that we are to forgive others in the same way that God has forgiven us. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a way of living that reflects our relationship with God (Matthew 6:14-15). When we forgive others, we are not only freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment, but also demonstrating our dependence on God's grace and mercy. In this sense, forgiveness is not just a moral obligation, but a spiritual practice that reflects our identity as followers of Christ. As we practice forgiveness, we are to seek to imitate God's character, which is characterized by mercy, compassion, and forgiveness (Matthew 9:13).