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What Does Forgiveness Mean?
Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. In the Bible, the Greek word translated as “forgiveness” literally means “to let go,” as when a person does not demand payment for a debt. Forgiveness is one of the most fundamental teachings in Scripture. Sometimes the last thing we want to do is forgive someone who has wronged us. However, God commands us to do so, even though He has pardoned us of our sins!
As Christians, it is our responsibility to forgive those who have wronged us and to love others as Christ has loved us. Talk to God about your suffering and disappointment, and ask Him for help in restoring relationships. Both spiritual and physical health are harmed by unforgiveness. Stress and resentment are the results, not the other people, but your own soul, mind, and body!
What forgiveness does not mean?
Pretending that the offense never transpired. King David committed significant sins that God pardoned, yet David still had to face the repercussions of his choices. David’s transgressions were also recorded by God so that they would be remembered today.(2 Samuel 12:9-13).
Allowing other people to exploit you. Imagine, for instance, that you lend someone money, but he spends it and subsequently is unable to pay you back as agreed. He sincerely regrets this and offers his apology. You could decide to forgive him by not holding grudges, not bringing up the issue with him repeatedly, and possibly even forgiving the debt in its entirety. But you might also decide not to give him any additional loans. (Psalm 37:21; Proverbs 14:15; 22:3; Galatians 6:7).
Forgiveness without justification. People who commit deliberate, malicious sins and refuse to own up to their sins, change their behavior, and extend sincere apologies to those they have hurt are not forgiven by God. (Proverbs 28:13; Acts 26:20; Hebrews 10:26) Such unrepentant ones become God’s enemies, and he does not require us to forgive those whom he has not forgiven. (Psalm 139:21, 22).
What if you are the victim of cruel mistreatment by someone who refuses to apologize or even admit to what he has done? The Bible advises: “Let go of anger and abandon rage.” (Psalm 37:8) You can choose not to let your anger consume you without justifying the mistake. Have faith that God will hold the offender accountable. (Hebrews 10:30, 31) You can also take comfort in knowing that God will bring a time when we will no longer feel the deep pain or hurt that may burden us now. (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:4).
“Forgiving” every perceived sight. Sometimes, rather than pardoning a so-called offender, we may need to admit that we had no valid cause for being offended in the first place. The Bible says: “Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense is the mark of a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
Condoning the offense. Actually, individuals who argue that bad behavior is inevitable or acceptable are condemned by the Bible.(Isaiah 5:20.)
How Do We Start With The Process Of Forgiving someone?
Keep in mind what forgiving entails. You are simply letting it go without condoning the wrong or acting as if it never happened.
Understand the advantages of forgiveness. Our health, happiness, and ability to remain calm can all be enhanced by letting go of anger and resentment. (Proverbs 14:30) And much more importantly, receiving God’s forgiveness for your own sins depends on your ability to forgive others. (Matthew 6:14, 15).
Be understanding. All of us are imperfect. (James 3:2) Just as we value forgiveness, so too should we be willing to overlook others’ sins. (Matthew 7:12).
Be reasonable. When we have a minor cause for complaint, we can apply the Bible’s counsel: “Continue putting up with one another.” (Colossians 3:13).
Act quickly. If you can, try to forgive right away rather than allowing your anger to grow. (Ephesians 4:26, 27).
You will be reminded of God’s own sacrifice for your sins by these Bible verses about forgiveness, which will also make it easier for you to forgive.
Below Are The Best Bible Verses About Forgiveness
To the Lord, our God belongs mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him
Isaiah 2:9
So people will be brought low and everyone humbled— do not forgive them.
Psalms 19:12
Forgive my hidden faults.
Psalm 32:5
In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Psalm 130:4 NIV
for But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 26:28 ESV
For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 1:77
to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
Luke 3:3
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 5: 20
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”
Luke 7:47
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Psalms 25:11
For the sake of your name, LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Luke 24:47
and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 2:38 NIV
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 3:19
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 13:38
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
Acts 10:43 NIV
43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Hebrews 9:22
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Ephesians 1:7 NIV
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Colossians 1:13-14
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Pastor Nathaniel
