“Vengeance is mine” says the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35) , this is easier to read than to do for some of us. When someone does something unforgivable to you, do you still forgive them? Why should you? Society says to do to others what they do to you. But when following Jesus we are expected to forgive as he does. Here are 5 bible verses on forgiveness with reasons why we should follow them.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Ephesians 4:31 NIV
Why? As we experience different feelings our actions are always influenced. When feeling anger we seek to find a reason to validate our anger, which affects our walk with Christ.
“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 6:37 NIV
Why? We weren’t placed on earth to be superiors of one another. Whatever we do to each other, God will do to us in return. We cannot let others block our blessings because we seek revenge.
“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalms 103:12 NIV
Why? When God forgives us he doesn’t keep a record of what we did, he forget about it because we are forgiven. We too must forgive and not hold onto the wrongdoing any longer.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19 NIV
Why? You belong to God, so he will protect you. God takes care of his flock and makes sure that any wrong that is done to us he will take care of the situation for us.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Matthew 5:44 NIV
Why? We are to love one another and pray for each other. We never know why our enemies do what they do but we can pray for Jesus to help them just as he helps us.