We often hear that a Christian must forgive those who have done wrong to them; but do we really forgive the way Christ intended us to forgive others? ” I forgive but I won’t forget” – is this a biblical way of forgiving someone? This study will show us how serious we ought to take forgiveness.
What spirit should accompany our prayers?
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25
Answer: A spirit of forgiveness
What happens if we do not forgive?
“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:26
Answer: God will not forgive us. We will remain in a sinful condition if our trespasses (sin) is not forgiven.
How should we ask for pardon?
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ” Matthew 6:12
What if the same individual does something against me again? Should I still forgive that person?
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22
In what parable are we taught forgiveness?
“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. ” Matthew 18:23-34
How does this apply to us today?
“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. ” Matthew 18:35
How are we to forgive and with what spirit?
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
What should we do when a sin is confessed?
“So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” 2 Corinthians 2:7
Answer: Forgive and Comfort that person!
In ancient times, did God forbid grudging?
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. ” Leviticus 19:18
What about the new testament, is there mention of grudging?
“Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. ” James 5:9
Note: Grudging is an act which is forbidden by God. Many hold grudges saying “they can forgive” but “cannot forget”. God cannot forgive us if we still hold grudges against our brothers and our sisters. Today, if we have not forgiven our neighbors, whether it be our spouse, sibling, family member, friend or stranger; the Lord will never be able to forgive us. If it is difficult for you, Pray to God asking him to give you the strength to be able to forgive. It is possible!
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ” Philippians 4:13