“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
Jesus had a lot to say about forgiveness. We’ll give just two examples. First, in the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12, we read, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This is the only petition in the prayer that gets an appendix, an expanded explanation. In verses 14-15 Jesus says, “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.”
Then, in Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. The servant is forgiven a huge debt, far greater than he could ever expect to pay back in his lifetime. In fact, it was roughly equivalent to 20 years’ worth of wages. But that servant then turns around and finds someone who owes him about one day’s wages. Rather than forgive, that servant has him thrown into prison—where, of course, he can earn no wages to pay back the debt. You can read for yourself how the master responds, making it clear that those who are forgiven must also be willing to forgive.
Choose a few of the verses below to memorize, to hide in your heart so you will be prepared to forgive, as you have been forgiven,
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.
Matthew 18:21-22 – 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.
Mark 11:25 – And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
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.
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Go Deeper
R.L. Wilson
R.L. Wilson has been on staff at the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute since 1982. Wilson’s articles draw from the perspective of someone who grew up in a multicultural environment, and who has been a follower of Christ for many decades.
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