What Is God’s Heart on Forgiveness?
The obvious answer to the question “Why forgive?” is this: “Because God says so!” Why does God say so? First, because others need it. And second, because we need it!
Forgiveness is at the heart of God’s character and the heart of why Jesus came. God’s Word reveals His forgiving heart and provides many reasons why you should always strive to be forgiving.
“In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
God wants us to forgive each other because He has forgiven us.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
God wants us to forgive others in the same way He forgives us.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
God wants us to see unforgiveness as sin.
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17).
God wants us to get rid of unforgiveness and have a heart of mercy. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
God wants us to do our part to live in peace with everyone.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
God wants us to overcome evil with good.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
God wants us to be ministers of reconciliation.
“God . . . reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).
God wants us to forgive others so we will not become bitter.
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15).
God wants us to forgive others so we will accurately reflect the character of Jesus.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2).