Why forgive? What’s in it for me? These are questions that I’ll be dissecting in this blog through a spiritual and mental health lens. The questions spring up from a common mentality within humans from all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, upbringing, or any other classifying factor. So, continue reading to learn of the benefits of forgiveness and if one should forgive others.
A World of Grudges?
Yes, our world is mainly a world of grudges. Our world is not in its prime state and people often struggle with forgiving those who do wrong. We often find ourselves saying things like “Don’t get mad, get even,” or “I’ll show you a piece of me.” And sadly, this is what the world considers as “natural,” or “normal.”
2 Corinthians 4:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The Bible drives home the fact that many in this world are blind. And the Bible says that the “god of this world” has blinded them.
This title is just another label for the devil, a being whose wickedness and bitterness blinds the hearts of those who have not yet witnessed the love of Christ.
However, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who made this world and designed your very DNA, is the one who loves you.
John 3:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
He came down in the flesh as Lord Jesus Christ and was led to crucifixion by jealous, hypocritical religious leaders who hated Lord Jesus for healing the sick, loving the scum of the earth, and saving the damned.
Furthermore, your hell met Jesus Christ at the cross so His Heaven could meet you when you allow Him into your life as Lord and Saviour. And after three days in burial, Lord Jesus Christ rose again, victoriously conquering death in your place.
The Benefits of Forgiveness
Accepting Lord Jesus Christ means He forgave your sins, so why not learn from Him how to forgive your debtors.
Colossians 3:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Plus, it’s not like forgiveness is without benefits. Forgiving others does benefit you and that’s the truth.
One might ask, “Well how does forgiving the rascal help me?”
Here’s how…
Forgiveness allows you to preserve relationships that might turn out helpful in the future.
Psalm 133:1 King James Version (KJV)
133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Forgiveness pleases God as God is forgiving.
Colossians 3:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Forgiveness grants you the chance to imitate your Heavenly Father.
Ephesians 5:1 World English Bible (WEB)
5 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.
Forgiveness relieves you the burden of bearing a grudge, and grudges are an opportunity for the devil to harm you.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 World English Bible (WEB)
10 Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
Remember, the benefits of forgiveness I just listed are only a fraction of the many reasons to forgive others. I just listed the ones I could think of at the moment. Nevertheless, I hope that the last reason especially caught your eye.
As the truth is that holding grudges is an opportunity for the devil (Satan) to wreak havoc in your life.
That is why in the above Bible verse, Paul decided to forgive everyone. This doesn’t mean you have to trust people you’ve forgiven which I talk about in this post. But, Paul did not want the devil to take advantage of any unforgiveness.
Motives of the Heart
So, if someone hurt a loved one of yours, or embarrassed you in some way or manner, just let it go. Also, I am not belittling their mistakes or your loss, but, I am recommending forgiveness for your sake.
Again, this does not mean you need to trust the person you’ve forgiven, it just means you need to let go of the grudge you hold against him/her.
And, now, I want you to change the way you think. If you’re forgiving others for your own benefit, that’s good, but, if you’re forgiving others because you understand God’s love for them and you want to share with that lost person the forgiving love of God, that’s admirable.
1 Corinthians 16:14 World English Bible (WEB)
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
However, whatever the motive behind your forgiveness, the main thing is that you forgive the person. I was just offering a tidbit of advice if you’re ready for it.
2 Corinthians 3:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Therefore, relieve others of the sins they’ve done unto you and make the decision to forgive others. You don’t need to feel anything out of your forgiveness, you just need to decide to forgive.
Ephesians 4:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.