How to forgive others as Christ forgave you - biblical principles and practical guidance
The Bible teaches that forgiveness is central to the Christian faith. Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:14-15 to forgive others as God forgives us. Ephesians 4:32 instructs believers to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Biblical forgiveness is not about excusing wrong but releasing bitterness and trusting God with justice.
Understanding how God forgives us sets the foundation for forgiving others.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
— 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
"As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
— Psalm 103:12 (ESV)
"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."
— Isaiah 43:25 (ESV)
Practical biblical guidance for forgiving those who have hurt you.
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
— Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)
"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
— Colossians 3:13 (ESV)
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, "I repent," you must forgive him."
— Luke 17:3-4 (ESV)
How forgiveness releases us from bitterness and brings spiritual healing.
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
— Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."
— Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)
How to forgive others as Christ forgave you
Finding light in darkness through God's promises and biblical wisdom