Seven Bible Passages to Gain Power to Forgive

Wheat in the field.
Wheat in the field. (photo: pixabay.com)
By Elsie HuSeptember 19th, 2017

When people sin against us it's hard to forgive them. Forgiveness is hard if we are trying in the flesh, but God's love compels us to forgive others. We don't forgive people because of our ability. God forgives our sins and transgressions first, so we are able to imitate him to forgive others.

The Bible has a parable of a servant who owed his master ten thousand talents, a staggering debt. Unable to pay, " the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. (Luke 18:23-28)

Examine whether we are like the servant or not. The Lord canceled our countless debts, but we're enraged, calculating, and refuse to pardon other people when they owe us just a little. Learn to forgive others. When we are powerless, read the Bible to have a forgiving heart and power.

Below are seven Bible passages about forgiveness:

Proverbs 19:11 A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.

Matthew 6:14-15 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.

Matthew 18:21-22 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."

Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Luke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves.
"If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them."

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

- Translated by Karen Luo

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