Introduction
Forgiveness is one of the greatest signs of spiritual maturity and true love.
Yet many people—even believers—struggle to forgive.
The wounds of betrayal, injustice, or harsh words often leave deep scars.
But in the mirror of God’s Word, we discover that forgiveness is not merely a virtue… it is a divine command.
1. Forgiveness: A command, not an option
« And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. »(Ephesians 4:32)
God does not ask us to forgive based on our feelings or moods. He commands us to forgive as He has forgiven us in Christ. Forgiveness is not a favor we do for others—it is an act of obedience to God.
Jesus goes even further in Matthew 6:14-15:
« For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. »
In other words, our own forgiveness from God is tied to our willingness to forgive others.
2. Why must we forgive?
Because God forgave us first
« Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. »(Colossians 3:13)
We were all sinners and unworthy, yet God forgave us freely.
To refuse to forgive is to forget the grace we have received.
Because unforgiveness destroys us from within
Bitterness, hatred, and resentment are poisons to the soul. They steal our peace, feed anger, and close our hearts to love.
Forgiveness brings freedom—first to the one who forgives.
Because forgiveness opens the door to healing and reconciliation
Forgiveness does not deny the pain endured, but it allows healing and restoration to begin. It is an act of power, not weakness.
3. How should we forgive?
Forgive sincerely, from the heart:
« So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. »(Matthew 18:35)
Forgiveness must flow from a heart renewed by the love of God, not from mere lips.
Forgive without counting:
When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” Jesus replied, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”(Matthew 18:21–22).
In other words: always.
Forgive even when the person does not deserve it:
Jesus prayed for His executioners: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”(Luke 23:34)
Forgiveness is not based on justice, but on divine grace.
Conclusion: Forgiveness, a path to freedom
Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. It does not mean forgetting what happened, but choosing not to let pain control our lives.
When we forgive, we imitate Christ, we break the chains of the past, and we open our hearts to the peace of God.
So… do you truly know how to forgive?
May the Holy Spirit help you release your heart, cast away all bitterness, and walk in the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For the edification of the saints,
Apostle Dr. Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA