Forgiveness in the bible new testament

Forgiveness is a central theme in the New Testament of the Bible. Here are some key passages and teachings on forgiveness:

1. Jesus' teachings on forgiveness:
   • "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12, Luke 11:4).
   • "If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14, Luke 6:37).
   • "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36).
2. The parable of the unforgiving servant:
   • Jesus tells the story of a servant who is forgiven a large debt by his master, but then refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by another servant (Matthew 18:23-35). This parable emphasizes the importance of forgiving others.
3. The importance of forgiveness in prayer:
   • Jesus teaches that forgiveness is a condition for effective prayer. He says, "When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mark 11:25).
4. The connection between forgiveness and love:
   • Jesus teaches that forgiveness is an expression of love. He says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45).
5. The example of Jesus' own forgiveness:
   • Jesus forgives those who crucified him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
6. The importance of forgiving others in the early Christian community:
   • The apostle Paul writes, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).
7. The connection between forgiveness and reconciliation:
   • The apostle Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother if he sins against him. Jesus replies, "Seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:21-22), emphasizing the importance of ongoing forgiveness and reconciliation.

Some key verses on forgiveness in the New Testament include:

• Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you."
• Mark 11:25: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
• Luke 6:37: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
• Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
• Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

These passages and teachings emphasize the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life, and provide guidance on how to practice forgiveness in our relationships with others.