What is forgiveness?

It is to acquit somebody of the harm or wrong done to you. In other words, not to keep it against the person.

Do we have to forgive?

Yes, the instruction is clear! Read Matthew 18:21-25. This passage recounts the parable Jesus told to answer this question. Verse 35 says:

“So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.”

Matthew 18:35

And then, of course, this scripture:

“But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:15

Is it possible for us to forgive?

No, not out of our own. The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to forgive, but we must desire it.

“²⁶A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall heed My ordinances and do them.”

Ezekiel 36:26-27

“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put My law within them, and on their hearts will I write it; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Jeremiah 31:33

What does the process of forgiveness entail? 

• I recognise and acknowledge that I have unforgiveness in my life
• I recognise and acknowledge that I must forgive
• I make the decision to forgive
• I take it to God in prayer, asking Him to help me to forgive
• I acquit the person who offended me, and sometimes I have to pardon and forgive myself
• I do not meditate on the events that happened

“…be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude]….”

Romans 12:2

• I leave justice to the just Judge

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.”

Romans 12:19

• I celebrate my liberation with thanksgiving and praise
• I do this process over and over again until I reach the point where I experience freedom, as I realise it is not always a one-time event.

Conclusion

It is the will of our Father that we live in freedom – free from the cords of unforgiveness. Forgiveness allows us to overcome bitterness, anger, hate, and other negative emotions. God wants us to live in rest and peace.

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, unless otherwise stated