Forgiving Others

Forgiveness is a big deal to God. He loves to forgive. That’s why, throughout the Bible, God generously offers forgiveness and second chances to all kinds of people.

As Christians, we know what it’s like to be forgiven. We’ve all made mistakes and hurtful choices. But God offers us forgiveness through Jesus—not because we earned it, but because God loves to forgive.

It’s no surprise that Jesus forgave a lot of people during His ministry. The Gospels tell us He forgave people’s sins. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, He was beaten, humiliated, and hung on a cross to die. Despite all of the pain He experienced, some of His last words were:

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

That’s how much Jesus loves to forgive. He sees the God-given potential in every person and doesn’t jump to judgment.

What does this mean for followers of Jesus? You’ve probably already guessed it: Followers of Jesus forgive others.

One of Jesus’ followers, Peter, asked Jesus about forgiveness. He wondered how often he needed to forgive someone who kept messing up. Relatable question, right? Matthew 18 tells us:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

Now, this doesn’t mean Jesus wants us to count how many times we forgive someone and then cut them off after seventy-seven. Instead, He’s encouraging us to pursue forgiveness no matter what.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what was said or done, and it doesn’t mean excusing what someone’s done. Instead, it means letting go of the need to get back or get even. Forgiveness is a declaration that you refuse to let anger, hurt, or betrayal control your mind and actions.

Forgiveness can also include boundaries. Sometimes we need to forgive and love people from a distance for the health of ourselves and others.

We are forgiven people—so we forgive others. It’s not always easy, and it might feel impossible sometimes, but it’s one of the best ways we can be like our forgiving God.

Pray with your own words, or try these:

Dear God, thank You for forgiving me, even when I don’t deserve it. Will You show me someone I need to forgive and give me the strength to forgive like You? In Jesus’ name, amen.