What Does the Bible Say About Asking Forgiveness?

"Forgive and forget" is a truism that, while not Biblical in origin, echoes many of the sentiments expressed in Scripture. Jesus Christ, in particular, repeatedly spoke about the need for forgiveness in our daily lives as well as in the life of the Christian church as a whole. Although forgiveness is often recommended as a solution to the problems that plague our society, how should it be practiced? Which Biblical principles concerning forgiveness are most important for us to learn?

Benefits

Growth is possible in the wake of forgiveness. According to the Bible, bitterness and hatred not only stunt a person's growth but also put one at odds with God himself. Jesus states, "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15)." Forgiveness also provides the benefit of promoting growth within the community. Saint Paul declared to the Christian church at Corinth that as long as its members forgave each other, they would be protected against Satan's plans to outwit their community, observing that "we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)."

Considerations

Forgiveness is not only meant to be dispensed under convenient circumstances but within the midst of heated debates. According to the New Testament, forgiveness should be granted if at all possible. Jesus says, "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him (Luke 17:3)." However, Jesus also recommends that people should forgive others simply if they have committed sin, regardless of repentance. When asked by his disciple Peter how many times someone should be forgiven after he has sinned against another person, Jesus says that he should be forgiven not just seven times, "but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22)."

Potential

Forgiveness actually has the potential to redeem the world, both by refusing to permit a person to be defeated by his enemies as well as by trying to transform these enemies into friends. When Jesus Christ was being crucified, he looked down from the cross at his enemies and implored God to "forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34)." For Christians, Christ's death and resurrection actually symbolize God's willingness to fulfill Christ's request to forgive humankind, including both the friends of Jesus as well as his enemies.

Significance

The Bible encourages people to forgive each other. However, the most important act of forgiveness spoken of in the Bible comes from God himself. According to the Apostle Paul, the crucifixion of Christ was not only an event, it was also a deeply significant act that proved "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7)." In fact, say the writers of the New Testament, God sacrificed his only son in order to atone for the sins of humanity.

Warning

If you are considering applying the principle of forgiveness in your life, you should do it fast. The Bible says that your worship loses substance without forgiveness. For this reason, your life is an only an empty experience if you postpone forgiveness. When speaking with his disciples, Jesus once said that if you decide to make an offering at a church you should put your life on hold and tie up loose ends in your life beforehand. "First go and be reconciled to your brother," he recommends, "then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:24)." Thus, forgiveness is worthless if it is constantly delayed.

Resources

• Bible Verses About Forgiveness