How Should Christians Forgive Others?

The Call to Forgive: Understanding Christian Forgiveness

Forgiveness is at the very heart of the Christian faith. To forgive as Christ forgave is not merely a suggestion, but a command rooted in the gospel itself. How should Christians forgive others? What does forgiveness look like in practical terms? Let’s explore the biblical foundation, the example of Christ, and practical steps for living out forgiveness.

1. The Biblical Foundation for Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central theme throughout Scripture. Jesus taught His followers to forgive not just occasionally, but as a way of life. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, Jesus replied:

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven. - Matthew 18:22 ASV

This response emphasizes boundless forgiveness, reflecting the limitless grace God offers us.

2. Forgiveness as an Imitation of Christ

Christians are to forgive because God, in Christ, has forgiven us. The Apostle Paul writes:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32 ASV

Our forgiveness toward others is rooted in our experience of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration:

But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8 ASV

We forgive not because others deserve it, but because we have received undeserved mercy.

3. The Lord’s Prayer: Forgive as We Have Been Forgiven

Jesus included forgiveness in the model prayer:

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. - Matthew 6:12 ASV

He further warns:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. - Matthew 6:15 ASV

While our salvation is not dependent on our works, a forgiven heart will naturally forgive others. Unforgiveness is inconsistent with the gospel.

4. Forgiveness Is Not Optional

Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35 ASV) drives home the point: refusing to forgive others after receiving God’s forgiveness is a grave inconsistency.

5. What Forgiveness Is—and Isn’t

Forgiveness does not always mean forgetting or enabling continued harm. It means releasing the right to revenge and entrusting justice to God:

Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. - Romans 12:19 ASV

Forgiveness does not necessarily restore trust or remove all consequences, but it does break the power of bitterness and resentment.

6. Practical Steps to Forgive Others

Recognize your own need for God’s forgiveness (Romans 3:23 ASV).
Pray for the strength to forgive, even when feelings lag behind.
Release the offense to God, refusing to dwell on it or seek revenge.
Seek reconciliation if possible, but recognize it may not always be safe or wise in every situation (Romans 12:18 ASV).
Continue to reflect on Christ’s forgiveness toward you as the motivation and model.

7. The Fruit of Forgiveness

Forgiveness brings spiritual freedom, healing, and peace. It restores relationships and reflects the character of our Savior. Jesus’ words from the cross are our ultimate example:

And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. - Luke 23:34 ASV

Conclusion

Forgiving others is not easy, but it is a clear command and a powerful testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ. As those who have been forgiven much, let us forgive freely, trusting God with our hurts and depending on His grace to love our neighbors as ourselves.

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