Forgiveness Is Important to Living a Christian Life, and Having God's Blessing, and Having God's Peace

(King Saul and David. Click for source.)

Forgiveness Is Important to Living a Christian Life, and Having God's Blessing, and Having God's Peace

People have wronged us. It happens throughout life and it happens to everyone. Due to the sin nature, people can be cruel and uncaring of each other, but forgiving those who have wronged us a necessary to our healing and growth and to staying in communion or fellowship with God. Without forgiveness, humanity would self-destruct. 

King David forgave King Saul, who sought to kill him; and who took his wife, Michal, from him; and who killed many priests of the Lord. God blessed him for that and David was crowned king and given power over the land of Israel and over his enemies. God blessed him for forgiving his enemies. David lamented over Saul when he heard of his death during a battle with the Philistines (2 Samuel 1:17-27). He also forbid his men from doing any harm to Saul when Saul was, unknowingly, in one of the caves David and his men were hiding in (1 Samuel 24).

Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling. And, faith is a choice, and it is not a feeling. That is why Jesus told the ruler of the synagogue, whose daughter had just died, "...Be not afraid, only believe."

• Mark 5:35-36: "[35] While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? [36] As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe."

Some people can be hard on themselves, at times. They feel that they have to feel forgiveness and mercy in their hearts before they can forgive. Or, they feel that the person who did wrong by them should ask for forgiveness, before they can forgive that person. 

But, forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a choice. Jesus never taught that we have to feel forgiveness for someone in order to forgive them. Nor did Jesus teach that we shouldn't forgive people if the offense is "too" much.

We tend to follow our feelings a lot, but the truth is that faith and forgiveness are choices, which precede feelings. When we chose to forgive someone who has wronged us, and give God our emotional hurt and wounded feelings, then our feelings will change. And, we will have joy. 

(Jesus pulls Peter out of the waves. Click for source.)

Look what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:21-22: "[21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

We have to decide to forgive every time someone has wronged us, even if they do it throughout one day, and day after day. This is by looking to God, and making a choice to forgive, and making a choice to pour out our hearts to God (and give to Him our burdens). Then, we can just rest and leave our concerns in God's caring hands. 

In Matthew 18, Jesus told His disciples this parable about a King's servant who owed a lot of money to him. Please read and think about this passage below.


Matthew 18:21-35

"21. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22. Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.


23. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 

26. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 

27. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 

30. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 

32. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 

34. And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."

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To know that we have truly forgiven someone, we can pray for that person and ask God to bring healing to his (or her) heart and joy into his (/her) life. Praying for the welfare of a person who hurt you is evidence that you truly forgave that person. Not wanting to pray for their welfare (or wellbeing) is evidence of holding onto bitterness or resentment. This is a choice and not a feeling. 

Steven, the first Christian martyr, when he was being stoned to death by a mob of angry people forgave them and said "... Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. ..." 

Acts 7:59-60

(When being stoned to death, Stephen said:
"... Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. ..." Click for source.)

"[59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

When Jesus was on the cross, having been wrongfully crucified, whipped, beaten, and falsely accused, He asked God the Father to forgive his persecutors for those particular sins done against Him (Jesus).

Luke 23:34: "[34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said: "[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"


Let's obey God's Word, and we will be blessed. God will bless us for being peacemakers (which includes forgiving our enemies). Jesus said these words in the Sermon on the Mount:

[Matthew 5:8-12]

"[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

[11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." 


(If you would like to know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, click here.)