Why must we forgive?

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is not optional for those who follow Christ. Believers are commanded to forgive because forgiveness reflects the character of God and demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel. Scripture makes it clear that forgiving our enemies is an essential part of Christian obedience and spiritual maturity. First, we must forgive because God has forgiven us. Scripture teaches, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Our own sin created a separation between us and God, yet He extended mercy freely. When believers forgive others, they reflect the grace they themselves have received.

Second, Jesus directly commanded His followers to forgive. He taught, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Christ raised the standard of love beyond what is humanly natural. Forgiveness is part of living in the love that Christ demonstrated on the cross, even toward those who opposed Him. Third, forgiveness frees the heart from bitterness. The Bible warns that resentment and anger can take root and cause spiritual harm: “See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15). Refusing to forgive keeps a person trapped in the past, while forgiveness brings peace and restores fellowship with God. Fourth,

Jesus connected forgiveness with our own prayers. He said, “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). This does not teach that salvation is earned by forgiving, but that a hardened, unforgiving heart is inconsistent with the heart of someone who has truly received God’s mercy. Forgiveness keeps our relationship with God open and unhindered. Fifth, forgiving our enemies is a powerful witness. When believers show mercy to those who wrong them, they demonstrate the reality of Christ’s presence in their lives. Scripture says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Forgiveness displays the transforming power of God’s grace in a world marked by anger, division, and revenge. Finally, forgiveness places justice in God’s hands.

The Bible teaches that God alone is the righteous Judge: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). Forgiving others does not excuse sin or deny justice it releases the burden of judgment to God and allows Him to deal with every wrong in His perfect way and timing. In summary, we forgive our enemies because God has forgiven us, because Jesus commanded it, because it protects our hearts, strengthens our prayers, displays Christ to the world, and trusts God with justice. Forgiveness is a mark of those who belong to Christ and desire to walk as He walked.