Forgiveness
- Releasing a debt: Biblical forgiveness means to “lift,” “carry away,” or “send away” sin (Hebrew nasa, salach; Greek aphesis, charizomai).
- Grounded in God’s character: God forgives because He is gracious and merciful (Psalm 86:5; Isaiah 43:25).
- Made possible through Christ: Forgiveness requires atonement, fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrificial death (Isaiah 53:5–6; Hebrews 9:22).
Key Bible Verses on Forgiveness
- God forgiving us:
- “As far as the east is from the west…” — Psalm 103:12
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive…” — 1 John 1:9
- We must forgive others:
- “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37
- “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13
- Jesus’ teaching: forgive “seventy times seven.” — Matthew 18:21–22
Why Forgiveness Matters
- Restores relationships: Forgiveness removes barriers between people and between humanity and God.
- Reflects God’s character: Christians forgive because God forgave them first (Ephesians 4:32).
- Brings peace and healing: Accepting God’s forgiveness brings inner peace (Colossians 1:19–20).
- Breaks bitterness: Forgiveness frees us from resentment (Hebrews 12:15).
How the Bible Describes Practicing Forgiveness
- A deliberate choice: Not holding a wrong against someone, even when it is difficult.
- A repeated act: Sometimes forgiveness must be extended again and again (Luke 17:3–4).
- A command, not a suggestion: Jesus and Paul consistently instruct believers to forgive.
Biblical forgiveness is both a divine gift and a human responsibility, rooted in God’s mercy and expressed through our willingness to release others from their debts.
Koran Contradiction 