Forgive Because You Are Forgiven

By Rick Warren

Many of us still carry deep wounds that were inflicted months, maybe even years, ago. And maybe when you think about that person who hurt you, it’s still as fresh as if it happened this morning. The pain is still there, and you’re still filled with resentment. You say, “Why in the world should I forgive that person who hurt me so much? You have no idea how much they hurt me. Why should I offer grace to that person?”

Let me give you three good reasons:

1. You need to be gracious to others and forgive those who’ve hurt you because God has been gracious to you.

You’ll never have to forgive anyone else more than Jesus Christ has already forgiven you. God has been gracious with you, and he wants you to be gracious with others.

2. You need to forgive others so you don’t grow bitter.

Scientists tell us that resentment is the unhealthiest emotion there is. It always hurts you more than anyone else! The Bible tells us this in Hebrews 12:15, “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others” (PHILLIPS).

3. You need to show grace to and forgive others because God expects you to do it.

Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (NIV). Jesus says we can’t receive what we are unwilling to give. If you say, “I could never forgive that person,” then I hope you never sin. Even if you don’t feel like doing it, do it anyway, because it’s the right thing to do.

Don’t harbor unforgiveness any longer than you already have. Make amends. Make it right.

And let me encourage you: do it today.