As God forgives us for our own sins, we should forgive others also.

The basis for forgiving others is realization of the depth of our own forgiveness by God. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death, God does not treat us with justice (giving us what we deserve) but with grace (giving us better than we deserve). In the same way, he commands us to treat others in a way that is better than they deserve. The fact is that without forgiveness, we are allowing a past transgression of another person to control our current and future thoughts.

“For if you forgive other people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

Forgiveness is essential for a follower of Jesus. Choosing not to forgive others reveals a failure to grasp the depth of our own forgiveness by God.

"I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22)

When asked by his disciples how many times one should forgive those who transgress against us—“Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (v. 21)—Jesus responds by saying one should essentially forgive indefinitely: Forgive and keep on forgiving. Forgiving someone does not mean we have to forget the past and trust that person in the future. To forgive the culprit is to deal graciously with that person just as Jesus does with us.

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
(Luke 15:31-32)

In this parable of the prodigal son, the father is explaining to the obedient son why he is rejoicing that the “lost” son has returned and sought redemption. Likewise, many are lost, and we should give them mercy as they renounce their sins and seek forgiveness. Ken Boa says of the power of forgiveness, “Not to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”

“Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. ... First be reconciled to your brother.” (Matthew 5:22, 24)

We are called to seek reconciliation with those who have provoked us. This is a clear call to forgive—and a clear warning against holding grudges or harboring unreconciled anger and bitterness toward others.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus desires forgiveness for those who mocked him and hung him on the cross. What an extraordinary example of forgiveness: Jesus even forgives those who tortured and crucified him.

Reflection: Is there an action of someone that continues to trouble you? If so, try forgiving them.