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What is the big deal with forgiving others? Why should it matter so much that it has become a commandment from God? The book of Matthew deals with this issue. Matthew 6:12 - "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." God forgave everyone of their sins, so why should they not forgive others? In fact, God forgave everyone for rejecting Him. God was never the one who did anything wrong, yet He still chose to forgive everyone and accept them back should they choose to come. Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." hat verse about sums it up. If a person does not forgive others for doing wrong to them then God won't forgive that person for sinning against Him. That is a direct order from God the Father. So, to lay everything out nicely: Why should Christians forgive other people? Forgiveness is not optional, God commands it of us! Now, the next part is the hardest one, forgive others whether they ask for it or not. Forgiving others whether or not they ask for it (or even "deserve" it) is the best way to deal with a situation. There was no single verse to get the point across, but going back to Job 5:2 proves that holding grudges will only hurt one more than letting it go. By forgiving someone of their wrong-doings we are releasing them and ourselves from any confrontation and any hard feelings. It is no longer necessary to have to deal with the problem because it is, in essence, like saying, "It is finished, let's move on and not linger with past arguments." It is not possible to stop hurting until the problem is let go by forgiving the person who did the wrong. Also, by telling them that they are forgiven, God's commandment of forgiveness is being followed. It's also important to understand what forgiveness isn't, though. Forgiveness isn't pretending that nothing happened and it isn't wishing that it didn't happen. Forgiveness is not ignoring the hurt or telling someone, "Oh, forget about it, it isn't a big deal."...It is a big deal. When there is hurt in someone's life, it matters, and people should never say "Forget it!" They should say, "I forgive you." That releases everyone from feelings of anger and oppression, as was said before. Forgiveness is not demanding that a person change before forgiveness is given to them. The Bible says we are to forgive as readily as God forgave us in Christ Jesus. God forgives freely, instantly, completely, and continually. That's the same way God wants you to forgive - instantly, freely, completely, continually. NOTE: |
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God has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13)