By: Sarah Geringer
Forgiveness is hard, but God commands us to do it.
How many times have you wanted to hold on to a wrong because
you don’t think the offender deserves your forgiveness?
It’s so easy to fall into that trap, which leads to
bitterness.
But by meditating on scriptures that speak of forgiveness,
like these listed here, can help you
learn how to forgive.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their
sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
Jesus
speaks very directly here: you must forgive if you want to be forgiven. Simple
to hear, yet sometimes hard to put into action. Meditate on this verse to
understand why it’s necessary to forgive.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked,
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against
me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but
seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
Jesus says we must
keep forgiving, not just once but many times, to be like him. By meditating on this verse each time bitterness springs up, you can forgive again and again to find greater peace.
This is my blood of
the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:28 NIV
Jesus spoke these
words at the Last Supper. He gave his life so that we can be forgiven. What an amazing
sacrifice!
If your brother or
sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against
you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying “I repent,”
you must forgive them.
Luke 17:3-4 NIV
Jesus instructs us to
not withhold forgiveness from someone who is repentant, even if they keep
making the same mistake again and again.
Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by
casting lots.
Luke 23:34 NIV
Jesus said this
about the Roman soldiers who were nailing him to the cross and treating him
horribly. If he can say that about those brutal soldiers, surely we can forgive
the ones who hurt us.
Now instead, you
ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by
excessive sorrow.
2 Corinthians 2:7 NIV
Here we learn that
when we withhold forgiveness, it can cause the offender unnecessary suffering.
God wants us to set them free as soon as we can through forgiveness.
Bear with each other
and forgive one
another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 NIV
This verse tells us
we must bear with each other, not giving up on each other at the first offense.
But with you there
is forgiveness, so that we
can, with reverence, serve you.
Psalm 130:4 NIV
Remember, God is the
source of forgiveness. When we are forgiven by God, we can serve him freely.
Likewise, when we forgive others, we find more freedom.
May verses like these help you learn how to forgive and be persistent in your practice of forgiveness.
Here's a prayer to encourage you today:
Heavenly Father,
I praise you for the gift of forgiveness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Want more tips on Christian meditation? Check out my book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus and the 31-Day Christian Meditation Challenge I'm currently hosting.
Blessings and God's peace to you,
Thanks to BibleGateway.com for easy scripture navigation!
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