Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32 ESV)
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 6:14-15 ESV)
According to AI Overview, “In the Bible, forgiveness is defined as God’s act of pardoning offenders, releasing them from the penalty of sin, and not holding their transgressions against them. It also involves a willingness to let go of resentment and anger, choosing to release the hurt and offense rather than dwelling on them. Ultimately, biblical forgiveness is a reflection of God’s own forgiveness, which is unconditional and based on love and grace.”
According to Oxford Languages, forgiveness is defined as, “the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.”
So, two descriptions that basically mean the same thing. One pertains to action by God and the other by us.
Has someone ever wronged you? Have you wanted revenge? I have. But I stopped before any damage was done. Why did I stop? Because of Romans 12:19: “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.” (ESV)
God has the power to exact revenge in far better ways than we can. Our job is to just keep loving people. That job can be a really hard one at times. But if we persevere we will make it.
Have a great day.
Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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