Category
VERSES ABOUT FORGIVENESS
Forgiving others brings such freedom. It's like taking off a heavy backpack you've been carrying for way too long. There's a real beauty to forgiveness, and anyone who's experienced both giving and receiving it knows what I mean. God is our ultimate example, right? He shows us how it's done and calls us to practice it every single day.
So, I encourage you to forgive, just as Christ forgives you – every single day. It's time to let go and be free. Let's be real, in this life, someone is bound to hurt or offend you. But even then, we're called to learn to forgive and love again. Get that bitterness out of your system. Trust me, it'll help you grow and move forward. It'll even strengthen your relationship with God.
As children of God, we rejoice because we've received forgiveness for our sins through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. But it's important to remember that just as we've been forgiven, our hearts need to be ready to forgive others. Mark 11:251 says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." As long as we repent and are faithful in forgiving others, God will completely forgive us. And that's when we can truly have a fresh start!
“But I tell you people who are listening [to me], love your enemies and do good things to those who hate you.[Ask God’s] blessing on those who curse you; pray for those who treat you spitefully.
[So], do not be conquered by evil, but [instead] conquer evil by doing good [deeds to people].
For if you forgive the wrongs people have done [to you], your heavenly Father will also forgive the wrongs you have done [to Him].But if you do not forgive the wrongs people have done [to you], neither will your Father forgive the wrongs you have done [to Him].
and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.
Tolerate one another’s [weaknesses] and forgive each other if anyone [of you] has a complaint against someone else. You should forgive people just as the Lord forgave you.
Then Jesus called out, “Father, forgive these people [i.e., the ones responsible for crucifying Him], for they do not know [i.e., realize] what they are doing.” Then the soldiers [See John 19:23] divided Jesus’ clothing among them by gambling for them.
Then Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother when he sins against me? As many as seven times?”Jesus replied, “I tell you, not [just] up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven [i.e., a large indefinite number of times].
If it is at all possible, as far as your part is concerned, live peacefully with all people.Do not take revenge on someone who has wronged you, but leave it up to God’s wrath [to take care of it], for it is written [Deut. 22:35], “The Lord says, I will pay people back [for doing wrong] because taking revenge belongs to me.”
Do not repay a wrong action with [another] wrong action, nor abusive [language] with [additional] abuse, but rather be a blessing [to one another]. For the purpose of your being called [by God] was so that you could receive a blessing [from Him eventually].
“Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] are blessed because they will be called God’s children.
Since we are now made right with God by the blood of Christ [i.e., by His dying on the cross], how much more certain it is that we will be saved from God’s wrath [in the future] by Him!
If a person says, “I love God,” yet [in reality] hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot [possibly] love God, whom he has never seen.And this is the [greatest] commandment [See Matt. 2:37-38] we have received from Him: [It requires] that the person who [claims to] love God should also love his brother.
But love your enemies and do good things to them; and lend to them without expecting it to be returned, and your reward [i.e., from God] will be great and you will be [considered] sons of the Highest [i.e., God]. For He is kind to unthankful and evil people [as well].
I am giving you a new commandment: love one another. Also you should love one another in the same way that I have loved you.If you love one another, then everyone will know by [observing] this that you are my disciples.”
[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people].[Love] does not act improperly [toward people]; it does not insist on having its own way [at the expense of others]; it is not easily irritated [by others]; it does not keep track of the wrongs [done by others].[Love] is not glad about the evil [that people do], but is glad about the truth [i.e., the good in their lives].[Love] conceals all [people’s] faults; it believes [the best about] all people; it hopes [for the best in] all people; it endures [ill treatment from] all people.
So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God.Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God.
But [Prov. 25:21-25 says], “Feed your enemy if he is hungry; give him something to drink if he is thirsty. For when you do this, it will be [like] heaping burning coals on his head.” [i.e., it can cause him burning shame that can lead to his repentance and ultimate forgiveness].
Above everything else, have a warm love for one another, for such a love keeps many sins from occurring [between you].
So, put away from you all [kinds of] bitterness and anger and wrath and brawling and slander, along with all [kinds of] malice [i.e., bad attitudes],and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.
“You have heard what was said [Exodus 21:24], ‘Take an eye [from someone] if he takes yours, and take a tooth [from someone] if he takes yours.’But I tell you, do not offer resistance to an evil person, but whoever hits you on the right side of the face, allow him [to hit you] on the other side also.
[But] if we confess our sins [to God], He is faithful [to His promise] and righteous [in His judgment], and will forgive us of those sins and cleanse us from all of our wrongdoing.
And forgive us of the wrongs we have done to others, since we have also forgiven the wrongs done to us.
So, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another to be healed [from sin sickness]. The special request of a righteous person is empowered with [great] effectiveness.
Actively seek to live in peace with all people. And be dedicated to God, because no one will see God without this.Look carefully [at how you are living] so that no one falls away from God’s unearned favor, and that no “poisonous plant sprouts up” to cause trouble and corrupt many people [Note: This is an analogy from Deut. 29:16-18 being used as a warning against the evil influence of wicked people],
Pay attention to yourselves! “If your brother sins, rebuke him [i.e., show him where he is wrong in hope of effecting a change]; and if he repents [i.e., changes his heart and life], forgive him.And if he sins against you seven times a day and [then] comes to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you should forgive him.”
So, welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed you [or, “us”], as a way of honoring God.
And whenever you stand praying, forgive whatever [grievance] you might have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you of your sins.”
So, as God’s elect [i.e., His people], holy and dearly loved [by Him], clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Tolerate one another’s [weaknesses] and forgive each other if anyone [of you] has a complaint against someone else. You should forgive people just as the Lord forgave you.
“Those persons who show mercy [toward others] are blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves].
In your love for your brothers, show tender affection toward one another. Try to outdo one another in showing respect [for each other].
“Do not pass [condemning] judgment [on other people] so that you do not receive such judgment [on yourselves].For the way you judge [other people] is the way you [yourselves] will be judged. And the standard you use [for dealing] with others is the standard that they [and God] will use on you.
Make sure that no one does anything wrong [back] to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone.
Here is how we can know what [God’s] genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].
If you love your neighbor, you will not do anything wrong to him. So, to love people is the way to fulfill [the requirements of] the law [See Matt. 22:39].
When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter].
For our struggle is not [actually] against human beings, but against rulers and authorities and leaders of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the struggle against Satanic powers which permeates life around us].
All [these] things are from God, who restored us to fellowship with Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of restoring [other] people to [such] fellowship.That is, God was in Christ restoring the world to fellowship with Himself, not counting people’s sins against them. And He entrusted to us the message of restoring people to fellowship [with Him].
But God, who has great love for us and abundant mercy [toward us],restored [spiritual] life to us with Christ, even though we were [spiritually] dead because of our sins --- it is by God’s unearned favor that you have been saved.
In the same way my heavenly Father will also deal with you [i.e., punish you] unless every one of you forgives his brother from the heart.”
For the Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, capable of teaching, [and] patient [with difficult people and situations].[He must] gently correct those people who oppose [him], in hope that God will give them [opportunity for] repentance, leading to a [full] knowledge of the truth,
And do not pass [hypocritical] judgment [on other people. See Matt. 7:1-5] and you will not receive such judgment [on yourselves]. And do not condemn [others] and you will not be condemned [yourselves]. Release people [i.e., from guilt for offending you] and you will be released [i.e., by God (?)]
And not only is this true, but we also rejoice in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have been restored to fellowship with God.
But when they continued asking Him [about the woman], He stood up and said to them, “That person among you who has never sinned should be the first one to throw a stone at her.”
He should turn away from wrong living and do what is good. He should desire peace and do whatever it takes to maintain it.
Live in a humble, gentle and patient way, showing tolerance [for the weaknesses] of one another out of love [for them].
Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.
we work hard with our hands. [Though] we are cursed, we [ask God’s] blessing [on people]; [though] we are persecuted, we persevere;
A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’
But why do you [who eat only certain foods] condemn your brother [who feels he can eat anything]? Or, indeed, why do you [i.e., who feels he can eat anything] look down on your brother [i.e., who eats only certain foods]? For all of us will have to stand before the judgment bar of God.
For I will be merciful to their wickedness [i.e., by forgiving them] and I will not remember their sins anymore.”
Brothers, if any one of you is overwhelmed by a [particular] sin, those of you who are spiritually minded should [attempt to] restore such a person [to faithfulness]. But do it in a gentle way, being very careful that you yourself do not become tempted [to get involved in any sin].
Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call righteous people [to be my followers] but sinners.”
But [instead], we should speak [and practice] truth in a loving way, so that we can, in all respects, grow up [spiritually] into [union with] Christ, who is the head [i.e., of His body, the church].
But now you also should stop practicing them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language from your mouth.
The good person produces good things from the goodness stored up in his heart. And the evil person produces bad things from the evil [stored up in his heart]. For his mouth speaks what his heart is filled with.
“Those persons who have a humble attitude [toward themselves] are blessed because they will inherit [the best of] the earth.
The person who claims to be living in [harmony with] the light [i.e., by obeying God’s truth], and [yet] hates his brother is still [living] in the darkness [of sin].[However], the person who loves his brother continues to live in [harmony with] the light [of God’s truth], and such a person is not the cause of others stumbling [over his example].But the person who hates his brother is in the darkness [of sin] and he lives in [harmony with] that darkness, and he does not know where he is heading, because the darkness [of sin] has blinded his eyes [to his spiritual condition].
The Lord is not slow about keeping His promise, like some people are, but is [simply] being patient with you, since He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but He wants everyone to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives].
So then, let us pursue such things that produce peace and things that build one another up [spiritually].
You people [already] know this [or, “you should know this”], my dearly loved brothers. However, every person should be quick to listen, slow to talk and slow in becoming angry.For the anger of people does not produce what God considers to be right.
No one has [any] greater love than to give up his life for his friends. John 15:14 You people are my friends if you do what I command you to.
In [fellowship with] Christ we have redemption [i.e., we have been bought back from Satan] through His blood, and have forgiveness of sins according to the abundance of God’s unearned favor,
[After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.[For] He neither sinned nor used deceitful words.When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter].
So, whoever you are, you people do not have any excuse for judging people [Note: At this point Paul begins addressing the Jews. See verse 17]. For in a matter where you judge someone else [to be wrong] you [actually] condemn yourselves, because you are practicing the same things [you condemn them for doing].
“Here is how it will be: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore you should be as crafty [Note: The Greek word here is “sensible”] as snakes, yet as harmless [Note: The Greek word is “sincere”] as doves.
And may the Lord cause your love for one another, and for everyone, to increase and overflow, just as ours does for you also.May the Lord strengthen your hearts so you will be [found] without just blame and holy, in the presence of our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all of His holy ones [i.e., angels. See Mark 8:38; II Thess. 1:7].
First of all, then, I urge you to offer [special] requests, prayers, intercessions [Note: “Intercessions” probably refers to praying on behalf of others], and thanksgivings for all people.[Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].
For [Psalm 39:12 says], “The person who loves [his] life and wants to have happy days, should avoid saying anything bad or deceptive.He should turn away from wrong living and do what is good. He should desire peace and do whatever it takes to maintain it.
Now whomever you forgive [for doing] anything [wrong], I will forgive also. For indeed, whatever I have forgiven, if I have [actually] forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the sight of Christ. [Note: Paul seems to be saying “Since my forgiveness depends on your forgiveness of the man, I am not sure of my forgiveness because I am not sure of yours”].[I do this] so that Satan cannot take advantage of us, for we are not unaware of his schemes.
I tell you that, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinful person who repents [i.e., changes his heart and life], than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent.
And the King will answer them and say, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.’
Now those of us who are strong [spiritually] should put up with [or, help] the failings of [spiritually] weak people, and not [simply] do what pleases ourselves.[Instead], each of us should do what pleases his neighbor in order to accomplish something good and uplifting [in his life].
Finally, brothers, give [careful] thought to these things: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovable, and whatever is commendable. If it is excellent; if it is praiseworthy; [think about it].
And the man answered Him, [Deut. 6:5], “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.” And [Lev. 19:18 says], “[You must love] your neighbor just as [you love] yourself.”
So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another’s feet also.For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you.
In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.
And in the same way, you younger [Christians] should be [respectfully] submissive to the older ones. And all of you should [be willing to] humbly serve one another, for God stands opposed to [the efforts of] proud people, but extends His unearned favor to those [who serve] with humility.Therefore, be humble [in your actions] before God’s powerful authority, so that you may be exalted [by Him] at the proper time.
Continue to love [one another] as brothers.Do not forget to show hospitality toward strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without realizing it.
For the whole Law of Moses can be fulfilled by [obeying this] one requirement [Lev. 19:18]: “You should love your neighbor the way you love yourself.”
Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God.
Finally, brothers, good-bye [or, “be glad”]. Be fully restored [spiritually]. Be comforted [or, “exhort one another”]. Think alike on things. Be at peace among yourselves. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Who [i.e., what] can separate us from Christ’s love [for us]? [i.e., what unfortunate circumstance of life might suggest that Christ does not love us?] Would [it be] trouble? Or distress? Or persecution? Or inadequate food? Or inadequate clothing? Or danger? Or [even] death?Just as it is written [Psa. 44:22], “We are [in danger of being] killed all the time. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, [suffering any one of these things is not proof that Christ does not love us], for in spite of all these things we have a decisive victory [over life’s difficulties] through [the care shown us by] Christ who loved us.
My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am writing this to you so that you will not sin anymore. But if anyone does sin, we have Someone to go to the Father on our behalf; it is Jesus Christ, the [only] righteous One.
“Those persons who have an appetite for whatever is right are blessed because they will be satisfied.
Or, do you not know that your [physical] body is a temple [i.e., sanctuary] for the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves,for you were bought [by God] for a price. So, honor God with your [physical] body.
Brothers, I consider that I, myself, have not yet taken hold [of Christ’s ultimate purpose for me]. But there is one thing that I am doing; I am forgetting about my past [See verses 5-7], and reaching forward to what lies ahead.I am pushing onward toward the goal for the prize of the upward call [i.e., to heaven] from God in [fellowship with] Christ.
And we know that God works out everything for the good of those who love Him and are called [to serve Him] in harmony with His purpose [for them].
I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.
For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation.
saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup [i.e., of suffering] away from me; nevertheless, let it not be what I want, but what you want [for me].”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of spectators [Note: Christians are pictured here as being in a crowded arena, performing in the games], we should lay aside every [excessive] weight and sin that so easily entangles us, and with perseverance, we should run the race [of life] that lies before us.We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, “our”] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God’s throne.
What shall we say, then? Should we continue sinning so that more of God’s unearned favor will [have to] be shown?Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer?
I am confident of this very thing, that God, who began something good among you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ’s [return].
[I pray] that, according to God’s glorious abundance, He would empower you to become [spiritually] strong through His Holy Spirit in your inner person,so that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. [I pray] that you will be rooted and grounded in [your] love,
Therefore, you must [attempt to] be complete, just as your heavenly Father is [already] complete.”
[Now] which of these three men do you think acted like a neighbor to the man attacked by the robbers?”And the teacher of the Law of Moses said, “The person who showed pity on him.” Then Jesus replied, “You go and do the same thing.”
God considered Christ to be sinful on our behalf, even though He never sinned, so that we could be considered right with God through Him.
“You people are [like] salt on the earth. But if salt loses its flavoring ability, how will it ever get it back again? From then on it would be good for nothing except to be thrown out onto the roadway and walked on by people. [Note: This was mined salt which, when losing its “saltiness” due to exposure to the sun or rain, was simply disposed of by being dumped onto the roadway where people walked].You people are [like] light in the world. A city built on a hill will not go unnoticed.
I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the Judgment Day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.
And this is [how we can express] boldness in our relationship with God: Whatever we ask [of God, in prayer], so long as it is in harmony with His will for us, [we know] He hears our request.And if we can be sure that He hears our request for whatever we ask [of Him], we can [also] be certain that we [will] have whatever we have requested from Him.
[Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another.
Eagerly try to maintain the unity produced by the Holy Spirit by being bound together in peace.
So, you should put the kingdom of God and what He says is right first [in your lives], then all these things [i.e., food, drink and clothing] will be provided for you.
for it is God who is at work in you, both to motivate the desire and to carry out what pleases Him.
But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.
[Upon His arrival] they brought to Him a man afflicted with a paralytic disease, [being carried on his cot. See Mark 2:3]. When Jesus saw [the evidence of] their faith [i.e., the man’s four friends breaking open the roof and lowering him through it. See Mark 2:4-5], He said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up, your sins are forgiven.”
[We pray for you] to live a life deserving of the Lord, pleasing to Him in every way, producing fruit in every good deed and growing in the knowledge of God.
“Those persons who feel a deep sense of their personal need are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
So, faith results from [people] hearing, and [their] hearing results from [the preaching of] the message about Christ.
We know that every person who has been [spiritually] conceived by God [and eventually born] does not continue in [a life of] sin, but God’s only conceived One [i.e., His Son] keeps him [from continuing to sin], and the evil one [i.e., Satan] does not continue to touch him [i.e., continue to control his life].
for you people were once darkness [i.e., when living in sin], but now you are light in [fellowship with] the Lord. [So], live like people who belong to light [i.e., who live godly lives],(for the product of light consists of everything good and right and true).
and endurance [produces God’s] approval; and [His] approval [produces] hope.And [having such] hope keeps us from being disappointed, because God’s love [for us] has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us [by God].
But if any one of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who gives to everyone generously and does not begrudge [the person who asks], and it will be given to him.
And my God will supply all your needs [also], according to His glorious wealth [enjoyed by fellowship] in Christ Jesus.
I leave you with peace; I give you my peace. I am not giving you peace like the world gives. Do not allow your hearts to be upset or afraid.
for everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory [i.e., His approval, or His perfect character].
Now I urge you, brothers, through the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all agree in what you say, so that no divisions [continue] among you. Be restored [to unity] by having common thoughts and convictions [i.e., in spiritual matters]