In the first three posts in this series, we’ve been discussing what forgiveness is and how it can set us free.  Here, we take a look at what God says through scripture. There are many passages on forgiveness, but here we’ve picked a few of the ones to give us a healthy diet of what God wants us to do concerning forgiveness.

Proverbs 19:11

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”

Romans 12:9-21

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.   Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.   Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.   Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.   Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.   If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.   Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.   On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Matthew 5:43-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.   If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?   And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?   Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Luke 6:35-36

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.   Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Colossians 3:12-14

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.   Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.   And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Matthew 6:14-15

“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.”

     God is very clear that we are to forgive as He forgave us.  It’s not an option, but it is the hallmark of the Christian.  If Jesus is alive in us, then we will work toward fully forgiving others.  If you are having trouble forgiving, see a good Christian counselor. The benefits of being set free from the bondage of unforgiveness are worth it!

Click here to read part 5 of this series on forgiveness!