Forgiveness is vital in the life of a Christian, for through it we fulfill God’s command and discover the true power of forgiving those who have wronged us.
The Meaning of Forgiveness
What does it mean to forgive? Forgiveness is the human act of releasing guilt, offense, or debt. It is a mental process aimed at eliminating resentment, anger, bitterness, or any negative feelings toward another person or oneself.
In a religious context, forgiveness is tied to spiritual purification, a concept present in many faiths, which involves letting go of harmful emotions such as anger, hurt, or the desire for revenge.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5)
We understand that God is good and forgives our sins and mistakes. His grace reaches all who sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness.
How Many Times Should We Forgive?
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Forgiveness is not a mere mathematical calculation. When Jesus instructs us to forgive “seventy-seven times” (or 490 times), He teaches that, as Christians, we must be willing to forgive as many times as necessary. Each act of forgiveness should be as heartfelt as the first, no matter how many times someone offends us.
Forgiveness as a Reflection of God’s Grace
Every day, we ask God for forgiveness for our sins committed in thoughts, words, and deeds. We have the assurance that He forgives and purifies us. Likewise, God desires that we be ready to forgive those who offend us.
God’s forgiveness is boundless, but it is conditional upon our willingness to acknowledge and turn from sin, as well as to forgive our brothers and sisters.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus makes it clear that we ask God to forgive our debts in the same measure that we forgive those who owe us. If we cannot forgive others, how can we expect God’s forgiveness?
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 11:25)
The Word of God is clear: we receive forgiveness only when we are able to forgive. If we become incapable of forgiving, we also become incapable of receiving God’s forgiveness.
The Consequences of Unforgiveness
Illnesses of the Soul and Body
The lack of forgiveness is a serious matter, as it can lead to illnesses in both the soul and the body. When we harbor resentment or bitterness, our soul suffers, and our body often manifests physical signs of this pain. Many people remain sick because they have not yet released forgiveness.
Some psychosomatic illnesses linked to unforgiveness include:
- Anxiety: Feelings of nervousness, worry, or unease, present in disorders like generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.
- Dysthymia: Lack of motivation, low self-esteem, and lethargy.
- Anguish: A deep sense of emptiness, despair, or loneliness.
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and interference with daily functioning.
- Oppression: A sense of being trapped, lack of response, or obsession.
- Paranoia: Grandiosity, persecution complex, selfishness, or egocentrism.
- Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks causing excessive worry about future episodes.
- Schizophrenia: Loss of touch with reality, hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairments.
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder): Repetitive, destructive thoughts that enslave the mind.
- Insanity: Total loss of mental control, with incoherent thoughts and reasoning.
- Suicide: Suicidal thoughts, attempts, or completed acts.
These illnesses are consequences of a heart that refuses to forgive, turning the body into a reflection of a wounded soul.
The Call to Forgive and Bless
God calls us daily to be agents of forgiveness, yet many hearts remain hardened. Sadly, many choose to stifle love and live with pain.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
We were all once sinners in need of God’s forgiveness to be reconciled with Him. Through Jesus Christ, we receive this forgiveness, and He set the example for us to forgive our brothers and sisters.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become new creations, living according to His will. And God’s will is that we become agents of forgiveness, following Christ’s example by forgiving our enemies and loving our neighbors.
Bless, Do Not Curse
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14)
Jesus desires that we have a pure heart filled with love, for love promotes health for both body and soul. Even when persecuted or wronged, we must carry only feelings that uplift us. Our words and hearts should overflow with blessings, even for those who hurt us. By blessing those who persecute us, we can transform their future.
Cursing our enemies perpetuates evil, but blessing them changes their story.
Overcome Evil with Good
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)
God teaches us that vengeance belongs to Him. When we are hurt by words or actions and place the situation in His hands, He judges justly. Nothing escapes God’s eyes, and He sees our grieving hearts. Instead of retaliating, we should show kindness to our enemies, for good is infinitely greater and brings health to our body and soul.
Filtering What Brings Us Good
Living according to God’s will makes us agents of forgiveness and blessing, regardless of whether we receive good or evil. We must filter what benefits us, leaving behind what harms us.
Picture yourself walking with two bags: one with a bottom, where you store everything that promotes physical and spiritual health, and one without a bottom, where you place everything that causes harm—hatred, bitterness, sadness. By freeing space in our body, mind, and soul, we experience the benefits of a healthy life, which comes only through forgiveness.
Release forgiveness, free your body, and heal your soul!
