Forgiveness
Definition:
1. The Meaning of “Forgiveness”
Biblical Roots
Hebrew: salah (סָלַח) — to pardon or spare, an action that only God can ultimately perform.
Greek: aphesis (ἄφεσις) — literally means “release” or “letting go.” It is used of debts, captives, and sins being set free.
So, forgiveness in Scripture is not denial — it is release: freeing the offender from the debt of guilt, and freeing oneself from the bondage of resentment.
“Forgiveness is the release of all hope for a better past.”
— Archbishop Desmond Tutu
2. The Biblical Foundation
Forgiveness is God’s initiative, not humanity’s invention.
Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Isaiah 43:25 — “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake.”
Matthew 6:12 — Jesus teaches believers to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Luke 23:34 — On the cross, Jesus says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
The cross, in Christian understanding, is the ultimate act of divine forgiveness — not because sin is ignored, but because justice and mercy meet there.
3. Theological Definition
Forgiveness in Christian theology is:
A deliberate act of love and mercy, in which God releases a sinner from guilt and restores relationship, without denying justice.
It is a movement of grace, not of merit. Forgiveness is costly — it requires the forgiver to bear the pain of the offense rather than transfer it back.
“To forgive is to suffer.”
— Timothy Keller, The Reason for God
Keller explains that forgiveness always involves absorbing the cost of the wrong, just as Christ bore humanity’s sin on the cross. It is never cheap or sentimental.
4. Forgiveness in the Words of Influential Christians and Theologians
St. Augustine (354–430)
“Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again.”
Augustine saw forgiveness as restoration — God’s gracious act of rescuing what was broken and returning it to life.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407)
“Nothing causes us to resemble God more than being ready to forgive the wicked and wrongdoers.”
For Chrysostom, forgiveness is not only divine but imitative of God’s character — to forgive is to reflect the image of God.
Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
“Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty.”
Aquinas argued that forgiveness does not negate justice but perfects it — mercy restores right order by overcoming evil with good.
Julian of Norwich (1342–1416)
“For I saw no wrath except on man’s side, and He forgives that in us, for wrath is nothing else but a perversity and opposition to peace and love.”
Julian perceived divine forgiveness as the unconditional love of God that absorbs human anger and heals it into peace.
John Bunyan (1628–1688)
“No child of God sins to that degree as to make himself incapable of forgiveness.”
Bunyan, the author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, emphasized that divine forgiveness is limitless, covering even the worst failures when repentance is genuine.
Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)
“To be forgiven is to be treated as though one had never sinned; to forgive is to treat others as though they had never wronged.”
Edwards highlighted the moral imitation of divine forgiveness: God’s pardon transforms how believers treat others.
John Henry Newman (1801–1890)
“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often; forgiveness is the means by which change is made possible.”
Newman saw forgiveness as the engine of transformation — it allows the soul to grow by grace rather than be trapped in guilt.
Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983)
Survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, who forgave her captors:
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
Corrie showed that forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice — a decision to align the heart with God’s mercy even when emotions resist.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)
“Forgiveness is the Christlike suffering which it is the Christian’s duty to share.”
For Bonhoeffer, forgiveness is co-suffering love — sharing in Christ’s willingness to bear the sins of others for the sake of reconciliation.
C.S. Lewis (1898–1963)
“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.”
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” (Mere Christianity)
Lewis emphasized the costly realism of forgiveness — it is not easy, but it is the essence of grace.
N.T. Wright (Contemporary)
“Forgiveness is not the same as tolerance; it is not saying that sin doesn’t matter. It is saying that sin matters so much that God will deal with it — and has dealt with it — through the cross.”
Wright’s theology underscores that forgiveness is both moral and restorative — it upholds truth while releasing vengeance.
Rowan Williams (Former Archbishop of Canterbury)
“Forgiveness is the process by which we lose our grip on the past that imprisons us.”
Williams connects forgiveness to freedom — releasing others also releases oneself from the cycle of resentment.
Henri Nouwen (1932–1996)
“Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly.”
Nouwen highlights the humility in forgiveness — recognizing that all humans are broken and in need of mercy.
5. The Two Dimensions of Forgiveness
Source Divine Forgiveness Human Forgiveness
Nature Rooted in God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice. Flows from experiencing God’s mercy
personally.
Result God releases humanity from sin’s debt. We release others from their moral debt
to us.
Goal Reconciliation with God Reconciliation with one another.
Cost The cross — justice satisfied, mercy given. Emotional and moral suffering, but peace
gained.
“We forgive because we have been forgiven.” — Ephesians 4:32
6. Forgiveness and Justice
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring justice or excusing wrongdoing.
It means refusing to take vengeance into one’s own hands — entrusting justice to God while choosing peace.
“Forgiveness does not erase accountability. It is the first step toward healing and restoration.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
King’s theology of forgiveness was deeply Christian — it breaks the cycle of hatred without denying truth.
7. Forgiveness as Freedom
Forgiveness is as much for the forgiver as for the forgiven.
“When you forgive, you set a prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.”
— Lewis B. Smedes, theologian and ethicist
Christian forgiveness frees the heart from the tyranny of bitterness — because grace always multiplies life where revenge multiplies death.
8. Summary
Salah (Hebrew) - To pardon
God’s mercy releases guilt
Restored covenant
Aphesis (Greek) - To release, let go
Sin’s debt is cancelled
Reconciliation
Theological meaning
God’s act of releasing sin’s penalty and restoring fellowship
Grace over judgment
Peace and renewal
9. Summary Thought
“Forgiveness is the highest form of love — it is love that refuses to count the cost.”
— Pope John Paul II
In Christianity, forgiveness is not weakness, avoidance, or forgetting.
It is the deliberate act of grace that mirrors God’s own heart — absorbing pain, choosing mercy over revenge, and opening the way for new life.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
• A debt erased.
• Chains broken.
• A wound healed.
• A storm quieted.
In Daily Faith:
Forgiveness is a choice that frees both the giver and the receiver. It mirrors the heart of Christ.
Forgiveness in Daily Life: Living Out Grace in All Areas of Life
Forgiveness is not only a theological concept or an abstract principle; it is meant to be woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. It influences how we interact with others, how we deal with conflict, how we heal from wounds, and how we grow spiritually. Here’s how forgiveness can be applied in various areas of life, using Scripture to guide Christians in their journey of faith.
1. Forgiveness in Relationships:Marital, Familial, and Friendships
In every relationship, conflict and hurt are inevitable. Whether it's a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend, forgiveness is essential for healing and maintaining peace. Scripture calls us to forgive one another as God has forgiven us.
Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness in building tender, loving relationships. Forgiving one another does not mean ignoring offenses but choosing to release the hold those offenses have over us.
This can restore trust and foster stronger, more intimate connections.
In marriage, for instance, regular forgiveness allows partners to grow together, not apart.
Colossians 3:13 reminds us, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
2. Forgiveness in the Workplace and in the Community
Forgiveness is just as necessary in the workplace or community as it is in personal relationships. Whether it’s a colleague who has wronged us or a neighbour who has hurt our reputation, the call to forgive is one of transformation.
Matthew 18:21-22 — "Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
In the workplace or community, forgiveness allows us to live out the truth of this passage. Forgiveness in these contexts doesn’t mean ignoring wrongdoing, but it does mean choosing to not hold onto grudges. It enables us to work for reconciliation rather than division, and it opens the door for peace and productivity, rather than bitterness and strife.
3. Forgiveness in the Face of Injustice and Hurt
Many times, Christians face deep personal hurt — whether it’s betrayal, abuse, or injustice. Forgiveness in these contexts is one of the hardest yet most freeing choices we can make. Luke 23:34 is a profound example of this:
Luke 23:34 — "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'"
Jesus' words from the cross are a radical expression of forgiveness. He chose to forgive those who were actively causing His suffering. This is the ultimate call to believers: forgiveness is not about excusing or condoning evil, but about relinquishing vengeance and trusting God to bring justice in His time.
Romans 12:19 reminds us, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" Forgiveness, even in the face of great harm, is a way of trusting God’s justice and choosing peace over retaliation.
4. Forgiveness in Personal Healing and Growth
Forgiveness also plays a critical role in personal healing. Holding onto bitterness and anger can have detrimental effects on mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Forgiveness is not only for the one who has wronged us; it’s for our own well-being.
Matthew 6:14-15 — "For if you forgive others 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."
Forgiveness frees us from the poison of resentment, bitterness, and hatred that can cloud our hearts and minds. By choosing to forgive, we release ourselves from the shackles of the past, opening the way for healing and renewal. Just as God’s forgiveness restores us to Himself, our forgiveness of others restores our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” Forgiveness is a form of release — releasing the burden of anger and hurt so that we can experience peace and restoration.
5. Forgiveness as a Spiritual Discipline: Growth in Faith
Forgiveness is not just a one-time act; it is a spiritual discipline that we must continually practice. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). This prayer highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness — we receive forgiveness from God, and in turn, we are called to extend it to others.
As we grow in faith, forgiveness becomes a way of embodying the love of Christ. It is an act of grace that is transformative, enabling us to become more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:18 — "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
The more we practice forgiveness, the more we reflect Christ’s love and grace. Forgiveness allows us to move beyond the world’s standards of justice and retribution and participate in God’s work of reconciliation.
6. Forgiveness in Prayer: Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Will
When we forgive, we align our hearts with God's heart. Forgiveness in prayer is a way of seeking God’s help in letting go of resentment and choosing mercy. Mark 11:25 teaches us: — "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Forgiveness becomes an act of submission to God’s will — recognizing that God has forgiven us much, and therefore, we are called to forgive others. As we pray for those who have wronged us, we are reminded of God’s abundant grace, which empowers us to release our grudges and extend mercy.
7. Forgiveness in the Church: Community and Reconciliation
Forgiveness is essential in the life of the church, where believers are called to live in harmony and unity. In a community of faith, we are called to practice mutual forgiveness, especially in cases of conflict within the body of Christ. Matthew 18:21-22 encourages us to forgive repeatedly, as Christ forgives us. This is vital for church unity, healing divisions, and fostering a community that mirrors Christ’s love.
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."
By forgiving one another in the church, we create a space where God’s love is manifest in tangible ways. This allows us to support each other in our struggles, heal from wounds, and grow in faith together.
Forgiveness: A Call to Spiritual Maturity
Forgiveness is not always easy, and sometimes it feels impossible, but it is an essential part of growing in our faith. Matthew 5:44 — "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" — reminds us that forgiveness is a radical choice that reflects the heart of God. It’s a choice to walk in grace, trust in God’s justice, and extend mercy even when it costs us something.
By making forgiveness a daily practice, Christians grow in faith, becoming more like Christ, who showed us the ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross.
Forgiveness, then, is not just a duty — it is a privilege and an opportunity to grow closer to God, reflect His nature, and live in the freedom of His grace.
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV)
“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.”
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”