The Gift of Forgiveness

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." - Galatians 5:19-25

What is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is the act of letting go of resentment and any desire for revenge. It is the mirroring of God's forgiveness of all humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who suffered and died for us on the cross.

As a Christian, forgiveness is motivated by love and grace. It doesn't mean that we forget the offense or the lessons learned from it, nor should we absolve the person of accountability or responsibility; it simply means we no longer harbor any ill-willed feelings toward the individual, nor do we desire for them any harm.

Forgiveness in the Holy Bible

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

In the Holy Bible of God, forgiveness is a "release" or a "dismissal" of something. As disciples of Christ Jesus, the forgiveness we have in Him involves the release of sinners from God's just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us. Romans 8:1 reads: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Furthermore, Colossians 1:13-14 reads: "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." As Christians, we are to measure our gracious forgiveness of others by God's gracious forgiveness of our sin (Ephesians 4:32).

Why is Forgiveness Important?

Forgiveness is important because it lies at the center of the cross. In Jesus' final hours, He looked upon those who had condemned Him and said: "Father, forgive them. (Luke 23:34)" His suffering and death were the greatest expressions of love and mercy the world has ever known. Through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, God offers complete forgiveness to those of us who put our complete trust in Him, cleansing us from our guilt while also reconciling to Himself the broken and lost people.

In the Holy Bible, which is the Word of God, forgiveness is shown as both a command and a calling. In Leviticus 19:18, God tells His people, the Israelites, not to seek revenge but to love their neighbor, illustrating a deeper way of living marked by mercy. The Psalms teach the beauty of God's grace, reminding us that He "removes our transgressions" far from us (Psalm 103:12), offering us healing from where sin once divided.

The Story of Joseph

The story of Joseph is one of the clearest human examples of forgiveness (Genesis 50:15-21). As a teenager, Joseph was abducted and sold into slavery by his own brothers, who were driven by jealousy, malice, and spite. He was then taken to Egypt, falsely accused, and sent to prison for many years. But under God's Holy Protection, Joseph eventually rose to a position of power, second to Pharaoh.

When a famine brought his brothers to Egypt looking for help, Joseph immediately recognized them, but they did not recognize him. After first testing their hearts, Joseph finally revealed himself to them. But instead of punishing them, he chose forgiveness. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)"

Joseph's words were an act of deep faith. This kind of grace can only come from someone whose heart has been shaped and molded by trust in God's bigger plan.

The Teachings of Jesus on Forgiveness

Jesus taught forgiveness as the center of discipleship. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that our relationship with God the Father is connected to how we treat others: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15)." This shows that forgiveness may begin as kindness, but it grows from grace.

Later on, Peter came to Jesus with a question: "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brothers and sisters who sin against me? Up to seven? (Matthew 18:21)." Jesus answered: 'I tell you not seven but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:22)." His answer indicated that it was not about a number, but about a lifestyle.

To make His point clear, Jesus told a story about a servant who was forgiven an enormous debt, only to turn around and refuse to show forgiveness to someone who owed him a small amount (Matthew 18:23-35). This parable teaches a profound truth: we cannot fully grasp God's mercy while holding a grudge against another person. Forgiveness wasn't just presented as a concept to agree with, but it was woven into how God invites us to live in a relationship with Him and others.

What are the Spiritual and Emotional Benefits of Forgiveness?

• Freedom from Destructive Emotions

• Healing Through Forgiveness

• Forgiveness and Spiritual Growth

Freedom from Destructive Emotions

When we have been wronged, certain emotions might settle in: bitterness, resentment, and anger, to name a few. If we harbor these feelings, over time, they can take root and start to shape how we think, speak, and act. In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul encourages believers to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger...be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Forgiveness breaks the destructive cycle of emotions. It makes space for peace to settle in where hostility once lived. It also allows us to move forward in freedom, rather than staying stuck in hurt and pain.

Healing Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness does not erase the past, but it invites God's power to bring healing to it. Oftentimes, relationships are where wounds are made, but they are also where God works His Mighty Power to heal and restore. Colossians 3:13 calls believers to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

When we extend ourselves in forgiveness, we open the door to healing for ourselves and to the one who wronged us. Forgiveness is a choice that invites restoration, even if reconciliation takes time.

Forgiveness and Spiritual Growth

When we practice forgiveness, it draws us closer to the heart of God. Every time we forgive an offense, we are choosing to trust God's justice more than our own. This act requires humility, patience, and faith. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, these qualities grow over time. The more we practice forgiveness, the more we mirror the life of Jesus Christ. We will display kind and loving hearts, dependency on God, and a life of righteous sacrifice in loving others.

How to Practice Forgiveness in 8 Steps

1. Acknowledge the pain. To heal from pain, you first have to admit you have been hurt. And sometimes acknowledging this can intensify unpleasant emotions. Tears, resentment, and ruminating thoughts are all normal responses to hurt. Don't try to numb your emotions, because this can cut off the process of forgiving others before it has even begun.

2. Think things through and give it to God. Try writing down what happened to you in a diary or a journal, and cry out to God in silence: "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." God has shown me that we should not burden others with our problems, but we should put all our trust in Him, and He will heal us, for it is God alone who is able and willing to sustain us. 1 Peter 5:7 says: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Another good Bible verse is Psalm 55:22, which reads: "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken."

3. Try to put yourself in the other person's place. Try to remember a time when you had to ask for forgiveness. How did it make you feel? When have you wronged another person? Did they extend forgiveness to you or withhold it? The Holy Bible teaches us in Matthew 7:12 to "Do to others what you would have them do to you." Placing ourselves in someone else's shoes, if only for a moment, can help us to better forgive.

4. Remember God's forgiveness. When we remind ourselves of the debt that God forgave us in Christ Jesus, especially when we didn't deserve it, it can help us to forgive others. Since God has shown us so much love and mercy by forgiving us, how then can we hold onto grievances that were committed against us? Even if the person is no longer alive or the person does not accept your forgiveness, you can still forgive them anyway.

5. Reflect and meditate on our Biblical command. Jesus stressed the importance of forgiving on many occasions, and He also included it in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Full prayer: Matthew 6:9-13). Pray to God and meditate on this prayer so that it hits home in your heart, and that your decision to obey will force your emotions and feelings to catch up.

6. Let go of the hurt. The devil is a liar and a manipulator. He is an expert at getting a foothold when we have decided to forgive, but the wound is still sensitive. Try not to dwell on the offense over and over again. The process will most likely be very painful and uncomfortable, but it will be worth it in the end. It's also a very good idea to stay busy doing something constructive with your time. When you are busy, you have less time to think about what hurt you. And keep others out of your business. Remember, take it to God alone in Christ Jesus.

7. Continue to forgive. Forgiveness is much more than simply saying a few words and moving on. It's a serious decision that is not to be taken lightly. Like Jesus demonstrated in His answer to Peter, it is a lifestyle. The process can be uncomfortable and painful, but it is always worth it in the end. Another thing to remember is what the apostle Paul taught: "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." (Phillipians 1:29). Paul taught that suffering for Jesus Christ is a gift. It is a way to rejoice in trials because it is a way to produce perseverance, hope, and faith. It makes and keeps us humble.

8. Pray for the person who hurt you. Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:44 to: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Ask God to reveal His love to your offender in your heart, and for Him to dissolve any negative feelings or emotions.

   In closing, we can find promises in scriptures like Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength," and in Romans 12:21: "Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good."

   
   

   As believers of God in Christ Jesus, we know that we can depend on Him to give us the grace to live out forgiveness. The choice is yours, so make the right one: Decide today that you will start the journey of forgiveness, praying to the Lord to prepare you for this difficult but eternally rewarding task.

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and writer based in Silver Spring, Maryland.   

She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.

Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book lover, a language enthusiast, and, most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.

"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."