Scripture says forgiving means believing. The significance of our forgiveness causes the Christian to be unashamed in the presence of the holy God because Jesus has forgiven us. Biblical forgiveness cannot be separated from Christ’s death and resurrection and his ongoing intercession of all those who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Biblical forgiveness is possible for Christians because they have been forgiven by God. This is an ongoing reality in the lives of every believer. Jesus and other Christians have exemplified a forgiving lifestyle demonstrated in Scripture. God’s forgiveness is real and not theoretical. So, the ability to forgive others after being forgiven by Jesus is a reality. And forgiveness is possible in all circumstances as Jesus faced the worst kinds of situations and people but still practiced forgiveness.
Biblical forgiveness does not always begets a fair result. To forgive implies yielding a little bit rather than getting even with the other party. Forgiveness is mercifully unfair. If God wanted to be fair, he would not have sacrificed his one and only Son. Forgiveness is more often than not
Biblical forgiveness is debt canceling. When someone offends you, you cancel their offenses and send them away. Understanding God’s grace enables us to grasp the heavy weight of sin, which will in turn allow us to cancel the sin of others committed against us. In other words, without truly comprehending the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are unable to understand God’s forgiveness. Lack of forgiveness is a gospel illiteracy problem. But self-understanding of the gospel leads us to cancel the debts of others as our debt has been forgiven. “Until sin is bitter, Christ will not be sweet” (Thomas Watson).
Biblical forgiveness is God’s direct commandment. It is a biblical mandate to forgive if you belong to Christ. Unwillingness to forgive others is a sign that they are not part of God’s kingdom. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Forgiveness is not easy because it is costly. But lack of forgiveness and judgment of others is more costly.
Biblical forgiveness is faithfulness. When Christians are faithful to the Lord they completely trust in him. Even when they are offended by others, forgiveness is possible because they trust in God’s providence (Gen. 50:19-20). If there’s a lack of trust in the Lord, we will attempt to find any reason or excuse to take vengeance on the offender. But when the providential God is trusted, then we are always ready to ready in any circumstance. Hesitating or delaying forgiveness only allows Satan to intervene. Not only should we quickly forgive but also forgive continually (Matt. 18:21-22).
How can we improve our forgiveness?
- Consider not overlooking the matter. Everyone is imperfect and even sin is often times a mistake rather than intentional ill-will (1 Pet. 4:8; Prov. 19:11). However, Confronting the offender is sometimes necessary when there is no sign of repentance or it is damaging others (Matt. 18:15-17).
- Judge our own hearts before we find sin in others. Am I being proud or hypocritical? It is wise to put ourselves in their shoes and self-examine ourselves before addressing others. God’s glory is the objective.
- Removing our bitterness is crucial (Eph. 4:31-32). Bitterness takes root in us when we are not quick to forgive. Bitterness can also lead to resentment because there is a lack of forgiveness.
Growth in forgiving others is strengthened by prayer and having the mind set on the hope of Christ. The pursuit of sanctification results in the growth of forgiving speedily, frequently, and constantly as our God has and continues to do so in the life of every Christian. The forgiven always forgives.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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