Why is forgiveness so difficult? – 10 Biblical Principles
“Forgive one another, just as Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Forgiveness is one of the deepest teachings of the Bible, but it can be extremely difficult to put into practice. Forgiving those who have hurt us can be challenging. Why? There are emotional, mental, and spiritual reasons behind it. But the Bible clearly teaches that forgiveness is not only necessary, but also crucial to our salvation, peace, and relationship with God.
🔎 Why is forgiveness difficult?
✅ The wound may still be fresh.
✅ It may be difficult to face injustice.
✅ Our ego makes it difficult to forgive.
✅ We may feel like taking revenge.
✅ We may not have understood the true meaning of forgiveness.
But if we follow these 10 principles that the Bible teaches, we will truly understand forgiveness.
1. God has forgiven us, so we should too
” If you forgive others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)
- What is the first reason we should forgive others?
- Because God has forgiven us countless times.
When we have received grace from God, we should also give grace to others.
2. Forgiveness is not weakness, it is strength.
” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
- The world says: “If you forgive, you are weak.”
- But the Bible says: “Only a truly strong person can forgive.”
On the cross, Jesus Christ forgave his enemies. He is God, yet he did not use his power to take revenge.
3. Forgiveness does not mean accepting injustice.
👉 “God says, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,'” (Romans 12:19)
- Forgiveness does not mean tolerating injustice.
- This does not mean letting the criminal go free.
- It means believing in God’s justice.
We must believe that God is the true judge.
4. Forgiveness is a decision, not an emotion.
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:7)
- Sometimes we don’t want to forgive because we are still hurt.
- But the Bible says that forgiveness is not based on our feelings, but on our faith.
- We obey God’s commandments, not by emotion.
5. Forgiveness heals both our soul and body.
” Put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander.” (Ephesians 4:31)
- Scientific research has shown that unforgiving people have higher levels of stress, high blood pressure, and mental tension.
- The Bible says that anger, bitterness, and hatred not only damage our spirit, but also our body.
- When we forgive, we experience a lightness and peace that allows us to live.
6. To forgive is to set yourself free.
👉 “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
- When we don’t forgive someone, we ourselves become prisoners of those bitter feelings.
- When we forgive, we are free.
“Not forgiving is like someone who wants to poison others but drinks it themselves.”
7. We must forgive often.
” Forgive others before you ask the Father for forgiveness.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
- Peter asked Jesus, “How many times must I forgive my brother?”
- Jesus replied, “Seventy times seven.”
- This means, as often as necessary.
8. Forgiveness strengthens your relationship with God.
“If you have bitterness in your heart, your prayers will not be heard.” ( Mark 11:25)
- If we have not forgiven others, our prayers are not effective.
- If you want spiritual closeness with God, first forgive.
9. Forgiveness is showing love.
” Above all things, have love, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
- True love is forgiving.
- When we love others, it is easier to forgive.
- Jesus Christ saved us because he loved us.
10. If we forgive, God blesses us.
” Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
- If we forgive others, God gives us even more grace.
- If we become harsh, God will also deal harshly with us.
🎯 Conclusion – Are you willing to pay the price for not being able to forgive?
✅ Is forgiveness difficult? Yes.
✅ Is it necessary? Of course.
✅ Does it change our lives? Absolutely!
If we refuse to forgive, we keep ourselves in stress, bitterness, and spiritual prison. But if we forgive, we are freed, healed, and drawn closer to God.
👉 Should you forgive someone today? Decide now!