Forgiveness is one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life, yet it is also one of the most important. Jesus not only taught about forgiveness, but He demonstrated it through His life, death, and resurrection. As believers, we are called to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). But how do we truly live this out? Let’s learn how to forgive like Christ and how we can apply this principle in our daily lives.
Understanding Christ’s Forgiveness
Before we can forgive others, we must first understand the depth of Christ’s forgiveness toward us. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), yet through His grace and mercy, Jesus took our sins upon Himself and offered us complete forgiveness. He didn’t wait for us to be worthy of it; He forgave freely, fully, and unconditionally.
In Luke 23:34, as Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This powerful example shows us that true forgiveness is not based on whether someone deserves it but rather on the love and grace that God has given us.
How to Forgive Like Christ
- Recognize How Much You’ve Been Forgiven It is easier to extend grace to others when we remember how much grace God has given us. Jesus taught in Matthew 18:21-35 (the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant) that if we have been forgiven of much, we should also be willing to forgive others.
- Pray for Strength and Guidance Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when the hurt is deep. But God provides the strength we need when we seek Him in prayer. Ask Him to soften your heart and help you release bitterness.
- Choose to Forgive, Even When It’s Hard Forgiveness is a decision, not just a feeling. It doesn’t mean condoning wrong behavior, but it does mean releasing the offense and entrusting justice to God. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
- Let Go of Resentment and Seek Healing Holding onto unforgiveness only harms us. It creates bitterness and can separate us from God’s peace. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of anger and allow God to heal our hearts.
- Love and Bless Those Who Hurt You Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This is perhaps the hardest part of forgiveness, but it is also the most transformative. When we respond to hurt with love, we reflect Christ’s character.
The Power of Forgiveness
Learning how to forgive brings freedom, peace, and restoration. It allows us to move forward without carrying the weight of past hurts. More importantly, it is a testimony of God’s love and grace working in our lives.
If you are struggling with unforgiveness, bring it to God today. Ask Him to help you release the hurt and extend the same mercy He has given you. As you do, you will experience the true joy and peace that come from living a life of grace and forgiveness.
Are you ready to forgive as Christ forgave you?
