Forgiveness is a term used to indicate pardon for a fault or mistake committed by someone. It means to end the feeling of animosity towards a person for an offence committed, and signifies the liberation of that person from guilt and its consequences, including punishment. It usually comes as an act of unmerited favour, compassion or love, with the aim of restoring a broken relationship. Forgiveness is synonymous with pardon, and it is also used in reference to the cancellation of debts. In God’s eyes, to forgive is more about the restoration of a broken relationship than just a change of one’s mind or emotions towards a person who committed an offence. Indeed, forgiveness can be costly and painful. Nevertheless, God demands that we forgive because He Himself first forgave us, and He continues to do so today.

God forgives our sin out of love and because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary (Acts 13:38-39, 1st John 1:6-9). Having received His forgiveness through faith in the atoning Blood of Jesus, our sins are no longer held against us as children of God (Romans 3:25). The forgiveness we receive is a part of the justification that comes through grace. In pardoning sin, God effectively removes the guilt of sin, absolves the sinner of the condemnation of the law, and liberates the pardoned from eternal damnation. By this act of grace, the sinner is forever freed from the guilt and penalty of sin. This is God’s special prerogative, offered freely to all men through the gospel of Jesus. We access this free gift by confessing our sins unto God, genuinely repenting of them and becoming born again.

As God has shown us unmerited love, mercy and grace in wiping all our sins away with the Blood of Jesus, He commands us to do the same to our fellow men. We are to love our neighbours and keep no record of sin against them. As a matter of fact, God expects forgiveness to form part of our lifestyle, keeping in mind that receiving forgiveness from God is dependent on us forgiving our neighbours (Luke 6:37). Ephesians 4:32 says:
“And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Forgiveness leads to peace, reconciliation, healing, unity, progress, joy, prosperity and answered prayers. Whenever these things are lacking and we find ourselves stricken by our conscience, forgiveness is needed. Let the love of God radiate through you to others, so that you can also become a beneficiary of the Lord’s abundant blessings.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.