Why We Should Forgive

Last week we looked a little at how forgiveness has played out in our lives. I asked a few questions prior to that and I hope they encouraged you to think and learn about what God has to say on this topic.

Today I'd like to look at why we should forgive. Why is it essential to God that we forgive others? I've shared a few reasons.

1. Because as Christians, we've been forgiven.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another , forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

2. Christ died for all, not just for us.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)

3. If we don't forgive, our hearts will become bitter and we will influence others to become bitter as well.

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy: without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12:14-15)

4. Forgiveness teaches us to be servants which helps us to reflect Jesus.

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)

5. Lastly, if we don't forgive others, God will not forgive us.

"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)

Until next week! God bless. :)