Seven Reasons Why Forgiveness is Important to Healing Relationships

In our society where there is so much division, forgiveness is so important and needed more than ever. 

Tozer, the author of the classic devotional, the Knowledge of the Holy, says, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” I believe that ‘how we see God is the foundation of how we see ourselves.’ (The lens of love).

Sometimes, we experience and believe that it is challenging to make our earthly parental authority happy in our growing up. Then, we are likely to develop the mindset of earning God’s love, approval, and favor through works. 

What do we do when the reality of earthly relationships does not match our understanding of the relationship with Heavenly Father? We forgive those who do not know the Heavenly Father’s love themselves. 

What is forgiveness?

An article titled “Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness” by Mayo Clinic Staff on November 13, 2020, defined ‘forgiveness’ as:

1. Forgiveness means different things to different people. Generally, however, it involves a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge.
2. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy, and compassion for those who hurt you.
3. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

Why is forgiveness important in a relationship?

Here are seven reasons why forgiveness is important in a relationship:

1. The power of forgiveness is in the blood of Jesus, as in Matthew 26:28 and Ephesians 1:7.  

The referred Bible verses include “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28)”, and “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace Ephesians 1:7).”

2. Our Lord is a forgiving God, as in Psalm 86:5.

Psalm 86:5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding steadfast love to all who call upon you.

3. It is a commandment from God, and Jesus set an example of forgiving us as in Ephesians 4:32, “

   Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

4. In order for the Father to hear our prayers, we must forgive so that Father may forgive our trespasses, as in Mark 11:25 “

   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.”

5. Forgiveness is needed when there is a relationship issue, as in Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:31-32.

Colossians 3:13 Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

6. Forgiveness must follow the repentance of sins as in Luke 17:3-4.

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

7. Our confession of sins to the Lord ushers the forgiveness from our Lord as in Psalm 32:5. 

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

How does forgiveness heal a relationship?

Forgiveness heals a relationship in the following five aspects:

1. Forgiveness of sins restores our relationship with God.
2. Forgiveness of sins transfers us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus with freedom and redemption (Colossians 1:13-14).
3. Forgiveness between each other makes space for love, peace, and kindness.
4. Forgiveness between each other resolves conflicts, division, and arguments and repair relationship (Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:31-32).
5. Forgiveness releases the stronghold of toxic emotions and facilitates the healing of body, soul, and spirit. 

Are you hold grudges against anyone? Forgive, and you will enter the kingdom of peace and freedom in Jesus Christ. 

Forgiveness is important to healing relationships. Please check out Healing Relationships Coaching if you wish to learn more about ‘forgiveness.’ 

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