The Biblical Understanding of Forgiveness (Updated)

Today I'm going to do a post on forgiveness, to be more specific when are we as Christians are supposed to forgive, and how often are we to forgive others. I have updated this post and divided it up into two sections. The first is a case for conditional forgiveness based on the repentance of the person who is to be forgiven. This is how I used to view forgiveness, and have taught such. I apologize to my viewers for this error and ask for your forgiveness.  In the newer second section I want to show the reader why I believe why it's important and even necessary to forgive those who do not repent of the wrongs they have done to you.

Section 1: Forgiveness Based On Repentance (Former Belief)

Let's start off by covering when are we to forgive someone who has sinned against us. The bible tells us that we are to forgive the way God forgave us (Eph 4:32, Col 3:13). We know that God forgives us when we repent of and confess our sins to him (2 Chro 7:14, Psa 86:5, Jer 36:3, 1 Joh 1:9), therefore we should do likewise to those that have sinned against us (Luk 17:3). We should be willing to forgive those that have sinned against us as often as they come to use in repentance (Mat 18:21-22, luk 17:4). For If we refuse to forgive others, God will not forgive us (Mat 6:14-15, Mat 18:23-35, Luk 6:37).

One of the most touching tales of forgiveness in my opinion is the tale of Joseph and his brethren, even though his brothers were cruel to him, Joseph forgave and provided for them (Gen 50:17-21).

Section 2: Unconditional Forgiveness

For this section I want to give some reasons that I believe prove problematic for only forgiving those that come to you in repentance of wronging you.

The first reason is because Jesus wants us to love our enemies; this includes praying for them, and blessing them, as well as doing good to them (Mat 5:44, Luk 6:27, Luk 6:35). I personally don't see how someone cannot forgive someone and yet do these things for them.

The bible tells us to put away all bitterness; this verse also includes putting away wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice (Eph 4:31). Having a root of bitterness can cause defilement (Heb 12:15). By forgiving others this will help us avoid bitterness.

The third reason that I want to give as to why we shouldn't hold on to unforgiveness is because it  causes resentment and other negative emotions that create more harm to yourself than to the person that your holding a grudge on. The bible tells us the harm of having a wounded or broken spirit in Prov 17:22, and Prov 18:14. On the other hand scripture instructs us on thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, things that are virtuous and praiseworthy (phili 4:8).

The fourth reason that I give as to why we should forgive regardless of the offenders actions is because as much as possible we should to live peaceably with all men (Rom 12:18), and not seek to avenge ourselves (Rom 12:19). When someone has wronged us we need to cast our cares on God (1Pet 5:7), and trust that God will handle it. It is God's job to render to every man according to his deeds not ours (Rom 2:6, Gal 6:7).

Unforgiveness is a lack of trust in God, that he will deal with the person. They will not get away with what they did. By forgiving the other person you are relinquishing your control over to God and trusting that he will deal with it. If however you wait on the other person to repent (which they may or may not do) in order to forgive them you are giving away your God given free will to forgive them and are left sitting on your anguish and suffering.

The last reason why I think we shouldn't hold on to unforgiveness is because if we did we would rejoice when our enemies fall and our heart would be glad when they stumble. The bible tells us not to do this and that it would turn away God's wrath from them (Prov 24:17-18).

One thing that I want to point out is forgiving someone doesn't mean that you condon what they did or even that you forget. So what is forgiveness?
It's * "eliminating the negativity that results from hurt by legging go of emotional baggage".

In conclusion we should not hold on to unforgiveness because it will hinder if not prevent you from loving your enemies, is bad for your physical health, causes bitterness, prompts us to be joyful when our enemies fall, is a sign of a lack of trust in God, will cause God to not forgive us, and can even keep you out of heaven.

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More Verses on Forgiveness

Exo 10:16  -17, Lev 4:20, Num 15:25  -28, 30:5, 1Ki 8:30,  

2Ch 6:30, Psa 25:18, Mat 6:12  , 9:6  , 12:31, Mar 2:7, Luk 7:47,  

Joh 20:23, 2Co 2:10, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14   

*https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/the-importance-of-forgiveness-bbab/