10 Blessings Of Forgiveness

What Is the Biblical Meaning of Forgiveness?

Biblical forgiveness is the central theme in the teachings of the Bible; God’s forgiveness towards humanity and the call for individuals to forgive one another. 

The concept emphasizes mercy, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationships.

The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate source of forgiveness. In the New Testament, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ is the means through which God offers forgiveness of sins. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

To receive God’s true forgiveness, individuals are encouraged to repent of their sins and confess them before God.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

God’s Word emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as a response to God’s forgiveness. In Matthew 6:12, to forgive as they have been forgiven. And He also gave the command in Matthew 18:21-22 that we should forgive others “seventy-seven times” (meaning without limit), highlighting the need for continual forgiveness.

Biblical forgiveness emphasizes the transformative power of grace, the restoration of relationships, and the reflection of God’s character in our interactions with others. It’s a call to extend mercy and love, recognizing that we have been forgiven much by God and should, in turn, offer forgiveness to others.

What is Forgiveness         

So, what is the biblical meaning of forgiveness?  We are told to forgive others several times in the Bible. It is included in Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:7-15. The Greek word for forgiveness is sashimi, so the definition of forgiveness is “to send away, dismiss, allow to depart; to issue, send forth.” 

When it comes to a crime committed against us, it means we ignore it or send it away. We don’t cling to that wrongdoing and keep it in our hearts. Instead, we act as if it never happened.

In Matthew 6:12, Jesus was teaching the disciples how to pray. In verse 12, He said, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those that trespass against us. The above verse revealed that all men are debtors.

Understanding that His mercy bought us, the other part of the Scripture, as we forgive those that trespass against us, would not be difficult for us to do. This awareness will make us know that we are also a sector where there is unforgiveness. It would rob us of the blessings of forgiveness. 

Forgiveness only comes out of a merciful and loving heart. Forgiveness is not self-based. It is letting go of pain to have peace with the person that offends you. 

Loving our “neighbor as ourselves” eliminates hatred and unforgiveness. 

The word forgiveness can best be understood when we know why Christ died while we were still sinners. All men are feeble when it comes to holy living except by the Spirit of God, and this is the area that the devil loves to explore, knowing fully that God helped us would always remain feeble. The good news of the gospel is that we are forgiven of all our sins.

Godly fruit and divine gifts are nurtured in the soil of forgiveness. 

One of the most effective methods to cultivate a healthy spiritual path is to tend and nurture the soil of forgiveness. Consider this: the act of forgiveness is a kindness to others and a means to more blessings. But we must guard our hearts because refusing to forgive others means the many benefits of forgiveness that our research has revealed. The right thing we are called to do is to free others and ignore them. 

What is God’s gift of Forgiveness? 

God has the gift of forgiveness, which is the blood of the Lamb. God can only forgive because of the blood that has satisfied the claim of legal justice. The reason for God sending His only begotten Son to die is for man to qualify for mercy.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

God’s forgiveness is not only the greatest gift given to humanity via Christ. Forgiveness is an act of love. But it is also the only gift that leads to the Father’s seat in heaven, where the forgiven in Christ will spend all eternity. There will be no agonizing screams there. And no eternal darkness, no fire that burns for the rest of time.

It’s important to realize that when you sin, you’re breaking God’s law. He claims that sin cannot go unpunished and that if you die without being forgiven, you will be thrown into a state of unforgiveness known as “hell.” 

God does not want this for anyone, but His holiness will not allow it. He must be able to cleanse you of your sins, allowing Him to embrace you.

The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty. Exodus 34:6-7a

10 Blessings of Forgiveness 

Forgiveness allows mercy over our lives.

The first blessing of forgiveness is that we obtain mercy. The mercy of God prevails over judgment. What we first receive is what God wants us to reciprocate. 

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1:2

When we forgive others, our heavenly Father will also forgive us. (Matthew 6:14-16) Mercy qualifies us for the divine and earthly blessing of sins’ forgiveness. When the mercy of God is in view, men will be blessed. 

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:10 (NKJV)

Bible Verses about Mercy.

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. Psalm 112:4

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. Psalm 112:4

Forgiveness brings true peace.

Peace is evidence that we are right with God. A man who holds grudges can never experience forgiveness in his heart. If our brother sins against us, we are to forgive our fellow servant. We are not to keep a record of the sin. When we forgive, there are tremendous blessings that we will experience. It is the blessing of peace, which is a benefit in the process of forgiveness.

Peace is something we all are searching for these days. But the only true peace is God’s peace. If we are continually harboring unforgiveness in our hearts, we will never have peace. If you desire the blessing of peace, be quick to forgive those who offend you.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Bible Verses about Peace

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Proverbs 11:17

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Forgiveness allows us to come boldly to God. 

Coming into the presence of God requires that we have godly peace. Without this, we cannot see God. After salvation, we can only boldly approach the throne of God when we are free from all known sin, like unforgiveness. Unforgiveness builds barriers between God and us.

Unconfessed sin hinders our prayers, hurts our relationships, and keeps us from knowing God’s true will for our lives. God listens to a broken spirit and a contrite heart.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Bible Verses about Prayer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3

Forgiveness enhances true Love for God and man.

The absence of love in our land is proof that men lack the heart to forgive. But when we embrace the spirit of forgiveness, it shows that men have come to an awareness of God’s love. Love leads to acts of kindness and our spiritual life is enriched with the experience that follows a deep love towards our dear brothers and sisters, leading us to inner peace.

Bible Verses about Love

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:35

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. John 15:9-10

Forgiveness attracts more blessings from God.

In the Old Testament, we see how Joseph did not consider the evil his brothers did to him to rob him of the blessings and promises of God. He allowed the Spirit of God to take control of his life, which allowed him to qualify for more incredible blessings from God. 

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

Bible Verses on Blessings

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Forgiveness allows us to be included in God’s plans.

Sometimes God allows pain for His glory, as He perfects His will in us. Our sanctification is a work in progress. 

As He allows us to go through challenging circumstances in our daily lives, He enables us to become an essential part of the Master’s use as sons and daughters.

Best biblical narrative is found in Genesis 37, the story of Joseph.

Bible Verses about God’s Sovereign Will

 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,Ephesian 1:11

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.Matthew 10:29-31

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.Colossians 1:16-17

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.Job 42:2

Forgiveness establishes brotherhood. 

Forgiveness brings men together as one through brotherly love. You are most like God, who restores relationships through forgiveness when you forgive. Jesus Christ paid the price for the remission of sins. Even when we still were covered in our sinful nature. And we are to forgive others so we can obtain God’s promise of blessing.

Forgiveness bears a great testimony for Christians and sets us apart to establish the kingdom of God.  

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.Romans 12:18

Bible Verses about Companionship

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.Proverbs 17:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.John 15:13

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.1 John 4:20

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.1 Peter 3:8

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Forgiveness reduces resentment towards others. 

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.Proverbs 15:18

Like water on a fire, forgiveness puts an end to bitterness and anger by removing the source of fuel. You don’t excuse someone’s behavior when you forgive them; instead, you refuse to use their actions against them. It entails making the conscious decision not to linger on the offense but rather to release the resentment and punishment to God. 

It’s based on God’s forgiveness of our transgressions. God is in charge of the penalty.

The first step toward reconciliation is forgiveness. 

Many individuals believe that forgiveness is only possible if the other person accepts it. This is not always the case because forgiveness is a choice, whereas reconciliation is a process. Forgiveness is crucial to reconciliation. But it is more than just forgiveness. There’s no guarantee that the relationship will be restored when you forgive someone. 

You may remain alienated even after you have forgiven someone. However, it is a great blessing if the relationship is reconciled because reconciliation mends relationships. Forgiveness may be one-sided. However, reconciliation necessitates both parties’ willingness to work together to mend the relationship. 

I can forgive, which is expected of me. However, reconciliation will be impossible if the other person refuses to engage. 

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Bible Verses about Reconciliation

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,Proverbs 22:24

A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.Proverbs 29:22

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.2 Timothy 2:22

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.2 Corinthians 5:20

For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?Romans 11:15

Forgiveness makes us more aware of our sins. 

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”Acts 2:38

As your love for God grows, so will your desire to please Him. You become more conscious of what pleases and displeases God as you desire to please Him. You become less judgemental by remembering what you have been forgiven for. You see your own mistakes more clearly when you have a love for others. We can remember our past and how God redeemed us from it. But we’re not to go back and feel the guilt and pain because we have been delivered from it. Regret causes negative emotions, and that is not the Spirit.

Bible Verses about Deliverance

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.1 Corinthians 10:13

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,Colossians 2:13

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.Ephesians 4:1-3

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.John 3:5

Forgiveness repels the sin of pride. 

It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.Proverbs 16:19

Most individuals, I believe, refuse to forgive because of their pride. They indulge in self-pity (which is nothing but a form of pride). Their ego has been shattered, and they will not accept it. Because pride drives their motives, they may wallow in self-pity or choose to retaliate with a worse crime, which is never the proper reaction.

Self-aggrandizement, self-defense, ego, pride, revenge, and retaliation have no place in sincere forgiveness. It doesn’t wallow in pity or assemble a following in its search for retribution. It doesn’t take comfort in the sympathies expressed by supporters.  

The true meaning of forgiveness allows the injured ego to be set aside. Joseph, whose own brothers sold him into Egyptian slavery, is one of the most beautiful biblical examples of human forgiveness. 

Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned for several years in Egypt by Potiphar’s wife. For many, those years would have been filled with simmering bitterness and time spent scheming vengeance. Joseph is not one of them. He was in a position to save his brothers from starving when he finally ran across them again. 

Only the divine providence was visible to Joseph as he assured his brothers:

“And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5

Where is the ego in all of this? What happened to “poor me”? Where is the sugar-coated misery? What happened to self-pity? What happened to the desire for vengeance? There are none. All such negative influences are erased through forgiveness. 

We are set free from the harsh bonds of pride and self-pity when we forgive.

Bible Verses about Pride

Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.Proverbs 18:12

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.Proverbs 21:4

“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.Proverbs 21:24

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.Proverbs 25:27

Prayer Points on Forgiveness 

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.Micah 7:18

Psalm 25:6-7 

• Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy, which you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy, remember me, Lord, because of your goodness.
•  Forgive all my sins, Lord Jesus, You opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter’s denial, confirmed him in your love. 
• Listen to my prayer. Forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, and help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world. 

God is the ultimate Forgiver. The most gracious act of God is forgiveness. Forgiveness cost His Son Jesus to give His life on the cross. What do you give up when you forgive a fellow human being? It’s not nearly the price God paid.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

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