What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
When it comes to forgiveness, it’s often easier said than done. In this article, we'll dive into a fundamental question: "What does the Bible say about forgiveness?" Forgiveness lies at the core of Christianity and offers profound insight into our relationship with God and with each other.
Uncover what scripture teaches on forgiveness, why forgiveness is so important, and understand its transformative power in shaping your faith. Whether you're seeking guidance on forgiving others, yourself, or even God, this article will help shed light on how to find true healing and reconciliation.
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”
— (New American Standard Bible, 1995, Matt. 6:14-15)
HOW TO FORGIVE BIBLICALLY IN FIVE KEY STEPS
As believers, we know that we are called to extend forgiveness as God has to us. Yet, so often, we end up feeling stuck and defeated in the process of trying to forgive. How do you know if you’re truly free and not weighed down by the wrongs that have been done to you? You will feel lighter and free from feelings of anger or bitterness or revenge.
When it comes to biblical forgiveness, there are five key steps to truly forgiving and experiencing freedom: going on-record with the wrong, counting the cost of the wrong, agreeing with the declaration, choosing to forgive, and staying free. Put these five steps into practice, and keep the enemy from getting a foothold in your life.
Shane Farmer
Serves as the Lead Pastor of Revolution Church. He and his wife, Wendy, have three sons: Josiah, Charlie, and Marshall.
Rebekah Layton
Serves as the Associate Pastor of Revolution Church. She and her husband, Josh, have one daughter, Zuriel.
Learn More About Revolution Church
Our GoalS
1. Steward Revival for Maximum Impact
We believe the tsunami of God’s next great move is approaching shore and are committed not to reject the new thing God is doing, but to participate in the full acceleration His Spirit’s moving brings. We do not exist to sustain or maintain what is, but believe status quo has got to go to make way for Kingdom advancement.
2. Sustain the Gain for a Lifetime
We seek to sustain an open heaven for a lifetime, and therefore, desire to be very diligent about the intersections of Worship and Prayer, Word and Spirit.
3. Raise Up Titans of the Faith
We feel called to pursue power over prevalence, purity over prominence and perseverance over popularity. We believe Christ commends a pure and spotless bride, not a bloated bride. We have a goal of raising up tomorrow’s spiritual giants who are wholly devoted to His person, His praise and His purposes, as we know the Lord’s eyes look throughout the earth seeking to show Himself strong to those whose hearts are wholly devoted to Him (2 Chr 16:9). We believe the church exists to comfort the afflicted but also to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not to coddle each other in partial obedience.
4. Pure Praise
We long to be King Davids of the Kingdom, leading the way for pure praise that catches the attention of heaven, elevating worship as the chief end of the church.
5. Catalyze a Prayer Movement
We want to be driven and directed in dependence lived out through intercessory and inquiring prayer. We intercede because we believe God is, God answers and God acts. We inquire out of a desire to be led by Him, not trusting our own skills, strategies or schemes but His guidance.
6. Raise Up a Joshua and Caleb Generation
Only two of approximately two million had the faith to persevere in pursuit of God’s promise. We know what God has revealed about the test of faith coming to the next generation and we are burdened to pass on a baton of persevering faith to the future generation.
7. Fight for Every One
We refuse to leave our community uncontended and uncontested, but instead, we are unapologetically on mission for every life and every eternity.
