In the Bible, forgiveness is a key theme, and various passages highlight what Jehovah (God) expects regarding forgiveness. Here are a few points based on scriptural references:
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Command to Forgive: In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV), it states: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." This underscores that forgiveness is a crucial aspect of the relationship between humans and God.
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Unconditional Forgiveness: In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be offered repeatedly: "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them." This suggests that forgiveness should not have limits.
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Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which illustrates the idea that those who have been forgiven much (by God) should also extend that forgiveness to others. The servant who refused to forgive his fellow servant was punished because he failed to show the same mercy he received.
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God's Example of Forgiveness: Throughout the Bible, Jehovah demonstrates His willingness to forgive those who genuinely repent. For instance, Psalm 103:12 states that God removes our transgressions from us "as far as the east is from the west," highlighting His readiness to forgive.
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Importance of the Heart: In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus warns against hypocrisy and emphasizes the need for self-reflection before judging others. This principle suggests that forgiveness must come from a place of humility and understanding.
Overall, the biblical message about forgiveness is clear: it is a fundamental requirement for believers, reflecting God's grace and mercy towards humanity.