There are few topics in the Bible more important than forgiveness.  Without it, we would all be hopelessly lost with no chance of salvation.  This is true because without forgiveness, we would be left without a Savior, without a sacrifice, and without a way to escape our sins.  Thankfully, God was merciful and set in motion the plan of salvation that would ultimately make redemption possible; a plan that only came to fruition because of God’s willingness to forgive us.

Since God has forgiven us of so much, He demands that we forgive one another.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.     

This is very much related to last night’s blog.  An unwillingness to forgive will hinder peace and harmony in a local church.  The one who holds grudges, which is the opposite of offering forgiveness, will never go to the one who has sinned against him and seek reconciliation.  This jeopardizes two souls.  First, the one who has sinned because he may never repent if not confronted about his sin.  Second, the one who refuses to forgive will not be forgiven by God.  Jesus was clear about this.

Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)
¹⁴ For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

What is forgiveness?  One Greek word for forgiveness is aphiēmi.  It is translated in different passages as “send away, yield up, lay aside, let alone,” etc.  This is exactly what forgiveness is, only it is accomplished mentally, i.e., with the heart.  When you forgive, you intellectually lay aside all resentment and anger, and bitterness toward the one who has offended you.  This gives one the ability to move on rather than hold a grudge.

What are some reasons why we should forgive?  The first reason is that we are commanded by God to do so, and we cannot be in fellowship with Him if we refuse to obey His commandments (1 John 1:5-7).

Second, it is an act of kindness, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  We do not forgive others because they deserve it; we do it as an act of mercy, which is at the heart of forgiveness.  Another Greek word that is sometimes translated “forgive” is “charizomai,” which means “to graciously grant as a favor.”  The root word in “charizomai” is “charis,” the Greek word for “grace.”

Third, the one who is unwilling to forgive will have a heart filled with bitterness, making it impossible to be a Christian.  

Hebrews 12:14–15 (ESV)
¹⁴ Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.  ¹⁵ See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.

Fourth, forgiving is a characteristic of Christ.  Who can forget the words of Jesus on the cross regarding those who were crucifying Him?  “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Being willing to forgive one another in Christ is a critical aspect of our relationship as Christians.  When we forgive those who sin against us, we are following in the steps of Jesus and doing what is best for the cause of Christ, and, at the same time, securing for ourselves a place in heaven as faithful children of God.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.