Why Should We Forgive? Bible Verses and Real-Life Stories

Have you ever had someone do something that made you feel really sad, angry, or hurt? Maybe a friend broke your favorite toy by accident, or someone said something unkind about you. When things like that happen, it can feel really tough to let go of those bad feelings. That's where something super important comes in: forgiveness! 💖

But why should we forgive? It sounds like a big word, and sometimes it feels easier to just stay mad. Forgiveness is like a superpower God gives us. It helps us, and it helps others too! It’s a big part of what the Bible teaches. Let's explore why forgiveness is so important, look at some cool Bible verses, and share some stories that show how powerful it can be.

What is Forgiveness Anyway? 🤔

Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending that what happened was okay, or that it didn't hurt. It also doesn't mean you have to forget what happened right away. Forgiveness means choosing to let go of the anger and the desire to get even with the person who hurt you. It’s like opening your hand and letting go of a heavy rock you’ve been carrying. When you forgive, you're choosing peace for yourself.

Think of it like this: Imagine your friend accidentally spills juice all over your awesome drawing. You might feel really upset! Forgiveness means saying, “I’m upset that my drawing is ruined, but I choose not to stay angry with you. I accept your apology (if they give one), and I’m going to let go of this angry feeling.”

Why Does God Want Us to Forgive? 🙏

God asks us to forgive others because He first forgave us! This is a HUGE reason. The Bible tells us that we all make mistakes (the Bible calls these sins), and God, in His amazing love and mercy, offers us forgiveness when we are sorry and ask Him.

1. Because God Forgave Us First! This is the biggest reason. God showed us the ultimate example of forgiveness by sending Jesus.

"Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 (ASV)

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15 (ASV)

God’s forgiveness is like a giant gift. When we understand how much He has forgiven us, it helps us want to forgive others too.

2. Forgiveness Brings Peace 🕊️ Holding onto anger and bitterness is like carrying a heavy backpack full of rocks. It weighs you down and makes you feel tired and unhappy. When you forgive, you put down that backpack!

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 (ASV) (Choosing forgiveness helps peace rule!)

Forgiveness helps your heart feel lighter and happier. It opens up space for joy and good feelings to come back in.

3. Forgiveness Helps Friendships Heal 🤝 When someone hurts us, especially a friend or family member, it can damage the relationship. Forgiveness is like the glue that can help mend those broken pieces.

"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends." - Proverbs 17:9 (ASV)

Choosing to forgive can make friendships stronger and help you stay close to the people you care about.

4. Forgiveness Stops the Cycle of Hurt 🔄 If someone hurts you, and you try to hurt them back, and then they try to hurt you back again… it just keeps going! Forgiveness is like pressing the “stop” button on that cycle of anger and revenge.

"Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men." - Romans 12:17 (ASV)

When you choose to forgive, you choose a better way.

Real-Life Stories (and Examples) of Forgiveness ✨

Sometimes, seeing forgiveness in action helps us understand it better.

Story 1: The Broken Toy 🧸
Lily loved her special teddy bear, Barnaby, more than anything. One day, her little brother, Tom, was playing a bit too roughly and accidentally ripped Barnaby’s arm. Lily was heartbroken and so angry! She yelled at Tom and didn’t want to talk to him.

Later, her mom talked to her. “Lily,” she said, “I know you’re upset. Tom is very sorry. Remember how God forgives us when we make mistakes?” Lily thought about it. It was hard, but she didn’t want to be mad at Tom forever. She took a deep breath, went to Tom, and said, “I was really sad about Barnaby, but I forgive you.” Tom gave her a big hug. They even worked together with Mom to sew Barnaby’s arm back on. Forgiving Tom made Lily feel much better, and soon they were playing together again.

Story 2: The Unkind Words 🗣️
At school, a boy named Mark made fun of Sam’s new glasses. Sam felt embarrassed and wanted to hide. He thought about saying something mean back to Mark. But then he remembered what his Sunday School teacher said about forgiveness.

Instead of being mean, Sam decided to talk to Mark calmly after class. “Mark,” he said, “it hurt my feelings when you made fun of my glasses.” Mark looked surprised and then a bit ashamed. “I… I’m sorry, Sam,” he mumbled. “I didn’t think.” Sam said, “It’s okay. I forgive you.” It wasn’t easy, but Sam felt proud that he chose kindness instead of anger. And guess what? Mark never made fun of him again and even started being nicer.

Bible Story Example: Joseph and His Brothers
One of the most amazing stories of forgiveness in the Bible is about Joseph. His brothers were so jealous of him that they sold him as a slave! He went through many hard times. Years later, Joseph became a powerful ruler in Egypt, and his brothers came to him for food, not recognizing him. Joseph had every reason to be angry and punish them. But what did he do?

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. And now be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." - Genesis 45:4-5 (ASV)

Joseph chose to forgive his brothers! He saw that God had used even their bad actions for good. That’s incredible forgiveness!

**How to Forgive When It’s Hard 💪**

Forgiving isn't always easy, especially when the hurt is big. Here are a few tips:

1. 1. Talk to God About It: Tell God how you’re feeling – your anger, your sadness, everything. Ask Him to help you forgive.
2. Remember God's Forgiveness: Think about how much God has forgiven you. This can make it easier to forgive others.
3. It’s a Choice, Not Just a Feeling: You might not *feel* like forgiving, but you can *choose* to forgive. The feelings will often follow the choice.
4. It Might Take Time: Sometimes forgiveness is a process. It’s okay if you don’t feel better right away. Keep choosing to forgive.
5. Talk to a Trusted Adult: If you’re really struggling, talk to your parents, a teacher, or a church leader. They can help.

**Final Thoughts: The Freedom of Forgiveness! 🎈**

Forgiveness is one of God’s greatest gifts to us, and one of the best gifts we can give to others (and ourselves!). It sets us free from anger and bitterness and allows God’s peace to fill our hearts. It helps us be more like Jesus, who is always ready to forgive.

So, the next time someone hurts you, remember the power of forgiveness. It might be tough, but with God’s help, you can do it! And you’ll find that letting go brings so much more joy than holding on.

What’s one small step you can take today to practice forgiveness?

If you want to read more about God's amazing character, check out our article on the Difference Between Mercy and Grace in the Bible!