Lesson 14 – Forgiveness

Matthew 6:13-15

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. 

 In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the life of a believer. He teaches that if we extend forgiveness to others when they wrong us, our heavenly Father will also forgive us. However, if we withhold forgiveness from others, our heavenly Father will not forgive us.

Jesus highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness. By forgiving others, we demonstrate the character of God and His forgiveness towards us. Our willingness to forgive reflects our understanding of God's grace and mercy in our own lives. It is a response rooted in love and reconciliation, mirroring the forgiveness we have received from God.

On the other hand, choosing not to forgive others hinders our relationship with God. Unforgiveness can create barriers and hinder our ability to experience the fullness of God's forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus encourages his followers to cultivate a forgiving spirit, recognizing that forgiveness is not only a commandment but also a means of receiving and experiencing God's forgiveness.

It is important to note that forgiveness does not necessarily mean condoning or forgetting the offense. Rather, it involves releasing the resentment and desire for revenge, and seeking restoration and healing in relationships. Forgiveness is a choice to let go of the hurt, extend grace, and pursue reconciliation.

However, the underlying message emphasizes the significance of forgiveness as an essential aspect of a believer's relationship with God and their interactions with others. It reminds us of the transformative power of forgiveness and the vital role it plays in experiencing the fullness of God's forgiveness and reconciliation.