Forgiveness
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
- … 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
- Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
- In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. – Ephesians 1:17
Relationships require forgiveness, and we see a perfect example of this as we peer into the Gospel. Romans 5:8 says, … but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
In the midst of our sin, God provided forgiveness for us through His sinless Son, Jesus. Forgiveness abounds in the Gospel, and the price was high – Jesus’ paid His life for us.
- Is your heart hardened, full of bitterness and anger, causing you to refuse to extend forgiveness?
- Does understanding the forgiveness given to you on the Cross cause you to want to forgive someone you love?
- Will you pray and ask God to place forgiveness in your heart?
Use this model to help you articulate a prayer of forgiveness:
Father, You forgave me while I was in my sin. Please place the desire to extend forgiveness to __________ in my heart. Help me go to him/her and extend forgiveness so you can restore this damaged relationship. Thank You, Father, for the forgiveness provided to me by Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.
