Why Should Christians Forgive Others — Meaning Explained

Forgiveness is not optional for Christians — it is a direct command from Jesus. In the Lord's Prayer, He taught, 'forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors' (Matthew 6:12), then added, 'if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses' (Matthew 6:15). When Peter asked if forgiving seven times was sufficient, Jesus said, 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22) — meaning without limit. He then told the parable of a servant forgiven a massive debt who refused to forgive a fellow servant's small debt. The master was furious: 'shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?' (Matthew 18:33). Forgiveness does not mean condoning wrong, forgetting the offense, or avoiding boundaries. It means releasing the desire for revenge and trusting God with justice. Ephesians 4:32 summarizes: 'forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.' Unforgiveness is a prison; forgiveness sets the prisoner free.