What Verse in the Bible Tells Us to Forgive?

Forgiveness is a core tenet of Christianity, and the Bible is rich with verses emphasizing its importance.

One verse that stands out, often quoted and taught, is Ephesians 4:32:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Let’s dive deeper into what this verse means, its context, and why forgiveness is so crucial in Christian life.

The Context of Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Ephesus.

It’s part of what’s known as the Pauline Epistles.

In Ephesians, Paul addresses how Christians should live and interact with one another.

Chapter 4 specifically focuses on the unity and maturity of believers.

In Ephesians 4:32, Paul emphasizes kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

He encourages believers to emulate Christ’s forgiveness.

This means forgiving others not because they deserve it, but because Christ forgave us, even when we didn’t deserve it.

Why Is Forgiveness Important?

#1. Spiritual Health

Forgiveness is essential for your spiritual well-being.

Holding onto grudges or bitterness can hinder your relationship with God.

Jesus taught that if we don’t forgive others, our own forgiveness from God is at risk (Matthew 6:14-15).

Forgiving others is a way to maintain a clear conscience and a close relationship with God.

#2. Emotional and Physical Health

Studies have shown that holding onto anger and resentment can lead to physical health issues like high blood pressure, anxiety, and even heart disease.

Conversely, forgiveness can lead to lower stress levels, healthier relationships, and a better overall sense of well-being.

#3. Reflecting God’s Love

Forgiving others is a way to reflect God’s love and grace.

When you forgive, you demonstrate the same mercy that God shows us.

It’s a powerful witness to others of God’s transforming love.

Other Key Bible Verses on Forgiveness

While Ephesians 4:32 is a central verse on forgiveness, many other passages reinforce this theme:

Matthew 18:21-22:

Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting seven times.

Jesus replies,

“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

This emphasizes that forgiveness should be limitless.

Colossians 3:13:

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Luke 6:37:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Practical Steps to Forgive

#1. Acknowledge Your Hurt

Before you can forgive, you need to acknowledge the pain and hurt someone has caused you.

This doesn’t mean dwelling on it but recognizing its impact on your life.

#2. Pray for Strength

Forgiving can be challenging, especially if the hurt is deep.

Pray for strength and guidance.

Ask God to help you see the person through His eyes and to grant you the grace to forgive.

#3. Let Go of Resentment

Holding onto resentment only harms you.

Choose to let go of the anger and bitterness.

This is a process and might take time, but each step you take toward releasing these feelings is a step toward healing.

#4. Seek Reconciliation

If possible, seek reconciliation with the person who hurt you.

This doesn’t mean you have to be best friends, but it involves addressing the issue and moving forward with a clean slate.

Real-Life Examples of Forgiveness

Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, provides a powerful example of forgiveness.

After the war, she met a former camp guard who had been particularly cruel to her and her sister.

He asked for her forgiveness, and though it was incredibly difficult, she chose to forgive him, demonstrating the power of Christ’s love.

The Amish School Shooting

In 2006, a gunman entered an Amish school in Pennsylvania, killing five girls and injuring several others before taking his own life.

In the midst of their grief, the Amish community reached out to the shooter’s family with forgiveness and compassion.

They attended his funeral and offered support, showcasing an extraordinary example of Christian forgiveness.

Conclusion

Ephesians 4:32 encapsulates the essence of Christian forgiveness.

It’s a call to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us.

Forgiveness is crucial for your spiritual, emotional, and physical health. It reflects God’s love and grace, offering a powerful witness to others.

By understanding and practicing forgiveness, you can experience profound peace and healing in your life.

Remember, forgiveness is a journey.

It might not happen overnight, but with prayer, patience, and God’s help, you can find the strength to forgive and move forward.

FAQs About Forgiveness

Q: How Often Should We Forgive?

Jesus’ response to Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 indicates that forgiveness should be limitless.

We should forgive as many times as necessary. Jesus said,

“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times,”

meaning our forgiveness should be boundless.

Q: Is Forgiveness the Same as Forgetting?

No, forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting.

It means choosing not to hold the offense against the person any longer.

You might remember the event, but it no longer holds power over you.

Forgiving is about releasing the emotional burden and moving forward.

Q: What if the Person Doesn’t Ask for Forgiveness?

You’re called to forgive regardless of whether the other person seeks forgiveness.

This is about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and allowing God to work in your heart.

Forgiving someone doesn’t depend on their actions but on your decision to let go of bitterness.

Q: Why Should I Forgive Someone Who Isn’t Sorry?

Forgiveness is more about your well-being than the other person’s actions.

Holding onto anger and resentment harms you more than anyone else.

By forgiving, you release the hold that bitterness has on you, leading to emotional and spiritual healing.

Q: Does Forgiveness Mean I Have to Reconcile with the Person?

Not necessarily.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are different.

You can forgive someone without restoring the relationship to its previous state.

Forgiveness is about letting go of negative feelings, while reconciliation involves rebuilding trust and might not always be possible or advisable.

Q: How Do I Forgive When the Hurt Is Deep?

Deep hurts can make forgiveness challenging.

Start by acknowledging your pain and praying for strength.

Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor.

Remember, forgiveness is a process that takes time, and it’s okay to take small steps towards healing.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Forgiveness?

Forgiveness offers numerous benefits, including:

Spiritual Growth: Strengthens your relationship with God.
Emotional Relief: Reduces stress, anger, and anxiety.
Physical Health: Lower blood pressure and better heart health.
Improved Relationships: Encourages healthier interactions and reconciliation.

Q: Can Forgiveness Impact My Relationship with God?

Yes, forgiveness is crucial for your spiritual well-being.