6 Reasons to Forgive (with Results and Scriptures)
1.) Forgiveness is characteristic of a Christian life.
Results: By loving our enemies, we show that we are children of God. When a Christian refuses to forgive, that person puts himself above God as judge.
(Matthew 5:7; Matthew 5: 43-45)
2.) We follow Jesus, our role model, who forgave.
Results: Only through Jesus are we forgiven and made right with God. Whatever we may suffer cannot come close to the offenses Jesus Christ forgave during His time on earth.
(Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 2:6)
3.) We are made in the image of God, who forgave.
Results: We reflect the beauty and glory of our Creator when we forgive.
(Proverbs 19:11)
4.) Forgiveness keeps Satan from gaining a foothold.
Results: Forgiveness frees the conscience of guilt and brings peace of mind.
(2 Corinthians 2: 10-11)
5.) Christ’s Body, the Church, cannot function without forgiveness.
Results: Grudges and resentments tarnish the Church’s witness and prevent the full benefits of God’s gifts.
(Matthew 5: 23-24)
6.) Only by forgiving others can we expect our own prayers for forgiveness to be answered.
Results: God will treat us in the same way we treat others.
(Matthew 6: 14-15)