Why forgiveness is necessary

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.       2 Corinthians 2:10

Conflict can ultimately result in better relationships, depending on whether it is resolved or if it escalates.

Why is resolution important? It’s the only way to neutralize the effect of wrongdoing. Jesus believed in confrontation and resolution. He told the disciples that if someone wronged them, they were to go and tell the person one-on-one what wrong had been done. The Greek word – the one used in the New Testament that we translate “to forgive” – means “to give up” or “to relinquish” something.

The Bible is clear that our forgiveness has to be patterned after God’s forgiving us, and when we can’t forgive, our anger and failure are overshadowed by the far greater debt we owe to God. Jesus said we are to forgive so that our Father in heaven may forgive us (Mark 12:25).

Closure is important. Acknowledging wrong and confessing it – whether it is to God or the one you thoughtlessly hurt – brings healing and closure.

It’s not simply an issue involving the mind, but the heart and soul as well. If you grew up in a home where you were never taught the importance of forgiveness, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you something of God’s greater measure of forgiveness and let that be your guide. Forgiveness may not be cultural but it is biblical. It is God’s answer to what tears us apart. As Paul wrote, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, “I am going away and I am coming back to you.” If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. John 14:27-31