What Does Jesus Say To Forgive?

Forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus, and it’s a concept that has profound implications for our lives.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor slight or a deep betrayal, understanding what Jesus says about forgiveness can help you navigate these difficult situations with grace and compassion.

The Importance of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not just a noble idea; it’s a commandment from Jesus.

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus emphasizes,

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

This makes it clear that forgiveness is a prerequisite for receiving God’s forgiveness.

How Many Times Should You Forgive?

One of the most frequently asked questions about forgiveness is,

“How many times should I forgive someone?”

Peter posed this question to Jesus, asking if seven times was enough.

Jesus responded in Matthew 18:22,

“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Some translations even say “seventy times seven.”

This doesn’t mean you should keep a tally of wrongdoings.

Instead, Jesus is teaching that forgiveness should be limitless.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Jesus often used parables to teach important lessons, and one of the most poignant stories about forgiveness is the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

In this parable, a king forgives a servant who owes him an enormous debt.

However, the servant then refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount.

When the king hears of this, he rescinds his forgiveness and punishes the unforgiving servant.

The lesson here is clear: if you expect to be forgiven, you must be willing to forgive others.

Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive can have severe spiritual consequences.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation, though they are related.

Forgiveness is something you can do on your own; it’s an internal process where you release feelings of resentment and anger.

Reconciliation, on the other hand, requires both parties to come together and restore the relationship.

Jesus encourages both, but recognizes that reconciliation isn’t always possible.

In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for reconciliation:

Talk directly to the person who wronged you.
If they don’t listen, bring one or two others along.
If they still refuse to listen, bring it before the church.

This step-by-step approach emphasizes the importance of communication and community in resolving conflicts.

Forgiveness and Love

Forgiveness is rooted in love.

In Luke 7:47, Jesus says,

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Here, Jesus links the ability to forgive with the capacity to love.

The more you understand and experience God’s love, the more you’ll be able to extend that love through forgiveness.

Practical Steps to Forgive

Forgiving someone can be challenging, especially when the hurt is deep.

Here are some practical steps to help you on this journey:

#1. Acknowledge the Hurt:

Don’t downplay what happened.

Acknowledge the pain and how it affected you.

#2. Decide to Forgive:

Forgiveness is a choice.

Make a conscious decision to forgive the person who wronged you.

#3. Let Go of Resentment:

Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you.

Letting go is a crucial part of the healing process.

#4. Pray for the Person:

It might be hard, but praying for the person who hurt you can soften your heart and help you move towards forgiveness.

#5. Seek Support:

Sometimes, talking to a trusted friend or counselor can help you work through your feelings.

The Benefits of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not just beneficial for the person you’re forgiving; it’s also incredibly freeing for you.

Studies have shown that forgiving others can lead to:

Lower stress levels
Better mental health
Improved relationships
Greater overall happiness

By forgiving, you’re not condoning what happened, but you’re releasing the hold it has on you.

As Jesus taught,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Forgiveness can provide that rest and peace you’re seeking.

Stories of Forgiveness

Stories of forgiveness abound in the Bible and in everyday life.

One of the most powerful examples is Jesus Himself.

As He was being crucified, He prayed,

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Even in His greatest moment of suffering, Jesus modeled forgiveness.

Another touching story is that of Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor.

After the war, she met one of the guards from the concentration camp where she and her sister had been imprisoned.

When he asked for her forgiveness, she struggled, but eventually, she chose to forgive him, demonstrating the transformative power of forgiveness.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a profound and essential part of Jesus’ teachings.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

By following Jesus’ example and teachings, you can learn to forgive and experience the freedom and peace that comes with it.

Remember, forgiveness is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

Let the love and grace of Jesus guide you as you learn to forgive, just as you have been forgiven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jesus and Forgiveness

1. Why is forgiveness important in Jesus’ teachings?

Forgiveness is crucial in Jesus’ teachings because it reflects God’s love and mercy.

Jesus taught that forgiving others is necessary for receiving God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).

It promotes healing, peace, and reconciliation among individuals.

2. How many times should I forgive someone according to Jesus?

Jesus taught that forgiveness should be limitless.

When Peter asked if forgiving someone seven times was enough, Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

This means we should always be willing to forgive.

3. What is the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant?

In this parable (Matthew 18:21-35), a king forgives a servant’s enormous debt, but the servant refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him.

The king rescinds his forgiveness and punishes the servant.

The lesson is that if we expect forgiveness, we must also forgive others.

4. What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?

Forgiveness is an internal process where you release feelings of resentment and anger.

Reconciliation involves restoring the relationship and requires effort from both parties.

Jesus encourages both but acknowledges that reconciliation isn’t always possible (Matthew 18:15-17).

5. How does forgiveness relate to love?

Forgiveness is deeply connected to love.

Jesus taught that those who experience and understand God’s love are more capable of forgiving others (Luke 7:47).

Forgiveness is an act of love and compassion.

6. What are some practical steps to forgive someone?

Acknowledge the Hurt: Recognize the pain caused.
Decide to Forgive: Make a conscious choice to forgive.
Let Go of Resentment: Release anger and resentment.
Pray for the Person: Pray for the one who hurt you.
Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend or counselor.

7. What are the benefits of forgiving others?

Forgiving others can lead to lower stress levels, better mental health, improved relationships, and greater overall happiness.

It frees you from the burden of anger and resentment.

8. Can you share a powerful story of forgiveness from the Bible?

One of the most powerful examples is Jesus Himself.

While being crucified, He prayed for those who were crucifying Him, saying,