The Gift of Forgiveness

When we feel guilty, it’s hard to believe that God wants to forgive our sins. But the amazing thing about God is that forgiveness brings him great joy—much like the joy we feel when we give someone a present we know they’ll love.

Experiencing the gift of God’s forgiveness will change our lives. It will make us joyful and grateful. It will also empower us to forgive others in the same way that God forgives us. 

Listen to this Scripture Playlist to learn what the Bible says about the gift of forgiveness.

 

References:

Ephesians 1:4-8 NLT
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. [5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. [6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. [7] He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. [8] He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Psalm 130:3-4 MSG
If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped.

Zechariah 3:3-4 AMP
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy (nauseatingly vile) garments and was standing before the Angel [of the LORD]. [4] He spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And He said to Joshua, “See, I have caused your wickedness to be taken away from you, and I will clothe and beautify you with rich robes [of forgiveness].”

1 John 4:10 CEV
Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.

Matthew 6:14-15 MSG
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Proverbs 17:9 CEV
You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong.

Acts 2:38 NIV
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 4:7-8 NIV
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Colossians 3:13 NIrV
Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.

2 Corinthians 5:19 CEV
What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace.