25 Reasons Why Christians Should Forgive Others

by Sister McCook
Woman at the top of a mountain enjoying God's creation

Forgiving others is one of the most important things that Christians can do.

It is one of the commandments that Jesus gave us, and it is something that we are called to do as believers.

Forgiveness is something that Jesus preached about often, and it is essential for Christians to forgive others in order to be forgiven themselves.

In this post, we will discuss 25 reasons why Christians should forgive others.

We will look at both the spiritual and practical benefits of forgiveness, and we will see that it is truly a powerful tool that can change our lives for the better!

What is forgiveness?

Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offense. It is the decision to let go of resentment and feelings of revenge.

Forgiveness is not condoning the offense or forgetting that it occurred.

It is also not excusing the offender.

Forgiveness brings inner peace and healing.

The bible tells us that forgiveness is very important to God. In the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to forgive others just as God has forgiven us (Matthew).

Forgiving others is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. Here are 25 reasons why Christians should forgive others.

25 Reasons Christians should forgive others

1. Obeying God

One of the main reasons Christians should forgive others is because God tells us to. In the Bible, there are many verses that talk about the importance of forgiveness.

For example, in the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “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 ).

This verse shows us that forgiveness is not optional for Christians.

If we want to receive God’s forgiveness, then we must also forgive others.

2. Letting go of negative emotions

Another reason to forgive is that it can help us to let go of negative emotions like anger and bitterness.

These emotions can damage our mental and emotional health.

They can also make it difficult to have healthy relationships with others.

3. Freeing ourselves from bitterness

Forgiveness can also help us to free ourselves from bitterness.

Bitterness is when we hold onto anger and resentment towards someone who has hurt us.

It’s like drinking poison and hoping that the other person will die.

Bitterness will only damage our own lives, not the lives of those who have hurt us.

4. Healing our own emotional wounds

Forgiveness can also help us to heal our own emotional wounds.

When we forgive, we are choosing to let go of the pain that someone else has caused us.

This can be a difficult but important step in the healing process.

5. Restoring our relationship with God

Another benefit of forgiveness is that it can help to restore our relationship with God.

When we forgive others, we are also choosing to forgive ourselves.

This can help us to feel closer to God and experience his forgiveness in a deeper way.

6. Setting a good example for others

When we forgive those who have hurt us, we are also setting a good example for others.

Our forgiveness can show others that it is possible to let go of anger and bitterness.

It can also inspire them to forgive those who have hurt them.

7. Giving others a chance to repent

Forgiveness can also give others a chance to repent.

When we forgive, we are showing that we are willing to give the other person another chance.

This can be an important step in their journey towards repentance and reconciliation.

8. Allowing God to work in the offender’s life

When we forgive, we are also allowing God to work in the offender’s life.

God can use our forgiveness to change the heart of the other person.

He can use it to bring them closer to himself and to lead them towards repentance.

9. Bringing glory to God

When we forgive, we are also bringing glory to God.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

10. Lead to reconciliation

Forgiveness can also lead to reconciliation.

Reconciliation is when two people who have been estranged come back together.

It is a process of healing and restoration.

11. Closer to God

When we forgive, we can also become closer to God.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

12. Following Jesus’ example

Another reason to forgive is that it is following Jesus’ example.

Jesus was a perfect example of forgiveness.

He forgave those who crucified him even though they did not deserve it.

13. Ending the cycle of revenge

Forgiveness can also help to end the cycle of revenge.

Revenge is when we hurt someone because they have hurt us.

It is a cycle of violence that can only lead to more pain and suffering.

14. Fulfilling the law

Forgiveness can also help us to fulfill the law.

The Bible tells us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God.

This is a commandment that we are called to obey.

Christian with a Bible in his hand

15. Strengthening our faith

Forgiveness can also help to strengthen our faith.

When we forgive, we are choosing to trust God instead of ourselves.

We are also choosing to believe that he can work in the life of the offender.

16. More like God

When we forgive, we become more like God.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

17. Reflecting the love of Christ

Another reason to forgive is that it reflects the love of Christ.

When we forgive, we are showing the same love and grace that God has shown to us.

18. Experiencing the peace of God

Finally, forgiveness can also help us to experience the peace of God.

When we forgive, we are choosing to let go of the pain and hurt that someone has caused us.

This can help us to find inner peace and to experience the peace of God in a deeper way.

19. Receiving God’s forgiveness

As we forgive others, we are also receiving God’s forgiveness.

When we forgive, we are choosing to let go of the pain and hurt that someone has caused us.

This can help us to find inner peace and to experience the peace of God in a deeper way.

20. Enabling God to bless us

When we forgive, we are also enabling God to bless us.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

When we forgive, we are opening the door for God to work in our lives.

21. Opening the door for God to work in our lives

When we forgive, we are also opening the door for God to work in our lives.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

When we forgive, we are allowing God to work in our lives in a deeper way.

22. Bringing hope to the offender

Another reason to forgive is that it can bring hope to the offender.

When we forgive, we are showing the same love and grace that God has shown to us.

This can be a powerful witness to the offender and it can lead them to repentance.

23. Living in freedom

When we forgive, we are also living in freedom.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

When we forgive, we are choosing to let go of the pain and hurt that someone has caused us.

This can help us to find inner peace and to experience the peace of God in a deeper way.

24. Living the word of God

Another reason to forgive is that it can help us to live out the word of God.

The Bible tells us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God.

This is a commandment that we are called to obey.

When we forgive, we are living out the word of God and we are being obedient to him.

25. Knowing the joy of forgiveness

Finally, when we forgive, we can also know the joy of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

It is also a reflection of his character and his love for us.

When we forgive, we are choosing to let go of the pain and hurt that someone has caused us.

This can help us to find inner peace and to experience the joy of forgiveness.

Summary

If we want to experience the forgiveness of God, we must be willing to forgive others.

As Christians, we are called to forgive others because it is what God has done for us.

It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

When we forgive, we are set free from bitterness and anger, and we experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are forgiven.

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