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Forgiveness
One of the great principles of the Christian life is forgiveness. Jesus modeled this principle for us when he hung on the cross and prayed for the very people who put him there (Luke 23:24). His words were so powerful and unexpected that they brought about the conversion of one of the thieves hanging on the cross next to him. Because Jesus completely forgave us, he wants us to follow his example, by forgiving others. As Scripture says: “Be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear Children” (Ephesians 4:32-5:1). The Bible gives us several important characteristics of the forgiveness we should have for others.
(To Look up the bible passages: copy and paste the bible passage in the box labeled passage below. The best version to use is NIV.)
- Forgiveness First Comes From God. Our forgiveness of others should flow from God’s forgiveness of us (Mark 11:25)
- Forgiveness Knows No Limits. For a Christian, no wrong is too great or too small to forgive (Matthew 18:21-35)
- Forgiveness is not Selective. You can’t choose to forgive some people and not forgive others (Matthew 5:43-48)
- Forgiveness Breaks Down Walls. When you choose to forgive, you experience true freedom (Colossians 3:12-15)
 
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