Inspiring Quotes from Bible on Forgiveness

My mentor often said, 'holding back forgiveness is like holding a bottle of poison and drinking it. You drink it thinking the other person will die, but the one who is dying is you."

Let's first look at the meaning of 'Forgiveness'. Forgiveness is the act of releasing a person from our grip of revenge, anger, and bitterness, and not holding anything against that person. Lewis B. Smedes, a renown Christian author and theologian said, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."

But is it easy to forgive? Is it easy to release the person who has hurt us, who has wounded our spirit, who has broke our trust, who has left us shattered? Is it possible to forgive somebody?

Our first response is to be vindictive and get back, no matter what! But, what does the Lord have to say in this matter? Let's take a look at the different Bible verses on forgiveness, which tell us how we should respond in such times.

The question arises 'Why on earth should I forgive him or her?' Look at what Mark 11:25, 26 says:

"And when you shall stand to pray, forgive, if you have aught against any man: that your Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your sins. But if you will not forgive, neither will your father that is in heaven forgive you your sins."

This Bible verse can be divided into two parts. Part one clearly tells us when you come before God in prayer, you need to clear off all grievances you have with your fellow beings. The verse does not end here. It goes on to say, only then will God, Your Father in Heaven forgive you.

Forgiving is not an option we have, it's a command we ought to follow. It's not something we do because we feel like doing it, but it is a command we obey, because by not forgiving we are sinning before God. Which do you prefer: being vindictive and sinning before God or forgiving and getting right with God. It's a choice we have!  

Say this prayer aloud:

Heavenly Father,

I don't feel like forgiving. I don't even want to forgive _______ (person's name). He (She) has wounded me and crushed my spirit. You are witness to my pain and my suffering. I don't know why I had to go through this. But, Your Word commands me to forgive. ...

... I want to obey you and do what You say, because You are my God, who means everything to me. And even though I have no warm feelings within me, I choose to forgive by an act of the will. I forgive ____ (person's name) and set him (her) free. I no longer hold anything against him (her). ...

... Please forgive me for harboring bitterness and anger in my heart for so long. I have sinned against You and I am sorry. In Your Word (1 John 1:9) You have said, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Once you have said this prayer aloud, now believe God has forgiven you. Often we recite our prayers, but live in condemnation. When we confess, God is faithful and just. He will forgive and believe this from the depths of your heart.

Do not worry about your feelings. You may not feel any special warmth in your heart for that person, but don't worry. You have done the right thing by forgiving.

Matthew 5:44-45 says, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Thus, now go on your knees and pray for the person who has hurt you.  

But what if the same person hurts you yet again. Then what? How many times should one forgive the same person? The Bible says in Matthew 18:22, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Thus, each time the person hurts you, take it to the Lord and forgive, because this is what the Lord expects of you.

Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32
"And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Luke 11:4
"And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation."

Matthew 5:24
"Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

Romans 12:19-21
"Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

John 20:22-23
"If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

Proverbs 20:22
"Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."

Matthew 5:39-42
"But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you."

Do you feel forgiving is really difficult and by placing the burden of this command, God has been very unreasonable, then think again. Jesus set an example for us to follow on the cross. He forgave those who nailed Him on the cross, while He was still on the cross. He has not simply thrown commands at us, but He demonstrated it in his life.

Luke 23:34, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Go back to these Bible verses each time you are wounded. Our God will give us the strength and grace to forgive.

Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Keep short accounts with God and do not bury your pain, lest it turns to bitterness. Forgive as God forgave you!