“Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” — Colossians 3:13 

One of the clearest indicators of a life truly transformed by God is a heart that forgives. Forgiveness is not just a suggestion in Scripture; it is the very nature of God. When we forgive, we mirror His divine character. To forgive is to live like Jesus.

The Greek word aphiēmi means to let go, to release, or to send away, especially in the context of offenses or debts. When God forgives, He releases us completely from the guilt and punishment of our sins. It’s not partial. It’s not hesitant. It’s full and final.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
— Psalm 103:12 (KJV)

God’s forgiveness is

• Unconditional: He forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

• Complete: He remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12).

• Restorative: It restores relationship, not just clears record.

This is the standard we are called to reflect in our relationships.

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

Too often, we hear voices that say, “Forgive once, maybe twice—but after that, cut them off.” But Jesus shattered this limited thinking when He said,
“I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
— Matthew 18:22 (KJV)

That’s 490 times—a figurative way of saying as many times as it takes.

The Spirit-filled man or woman does not keep score. There is no room in the heart of God for grudges, and there should be no room for them in ours.

A heart dominated by the flesh clings to offense, pride, and pain. It demands revenge or distance. But the spiritual person walks in the love and humility of Christ. True love can’t flourish without true forgiveness.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind… is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 (KJV)

If you want to know whether someone truly walks with God, look at their ability to forgive from the heart. Forgiveness is not weakness—it is the power of God on display through His people.

Is there someone you need to forgive? Are you holding onto pain that God is calling you to release?
Let it go. Not because they deserve it, but because you’ve been forgiven more than you could ever repay.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the mercy you have shown me. Thank you for forgiving me, not because I earned it, but because of your boundless grace and love through Jesus Christ.
Help me, Lord, to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Soften my heart. Break the chains of bitterness, pride, and offense. Fill me with the compassion of Christ.
Teach me to love even when it’s hard, to extend grace even when it’s not deserved, and to let go of every grudge that keeps me from walking in freedom.
Holy Spirit, empower me to reflect God’s character in every relationship I have. Let forgiveness flow through me like a river, healing hearts—including my own.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Forgive, and live free.

Related Bible Verses 

• Luke 6:37 

• Mark 11:25 

• Matthew 6:14–15

• Romans 12:19–21

• James 2:13