Forgiveness is often misunderstood in our culture. Some see it as excusing bad behavior, while others believe it’s something we do only when the offender apologizes. However, biblical forgiveness goes much deeper. In this section, we will explore what true forgiveness is—and what it isn’t—so you can begin to walk in the freedom God desires for you.
Biblical Definition vs. Cultural Misconceptions
The world often defines forgiveness as:
- Forgetting what happened
- Letting people continue to hurt you
- Requiring an apology before moving forward
However, the Bible teaches that forgiveness is:
- A command from God (Colossians 3:13)
- A reflection of God’s mercy toward us (Ephesians 4:32)
- An act of obedience that brings freedom and peace (Matthew 6:14-15)
We will dive into these biblical truths and uncover how they differ from the common misconceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing true forgiveness.
What Forgiveness Is and What It Isn’t
Forgiveness IS:
✔ A choice to release resentment and bitterness
✔ Trusting God to bring justice (Romans 12:19)
✔ A pathway to inner healing and peace
✔ An act of obedience that honors God
Forgiveness IS NOT:
✘ Saying that the offense was okay
✘ Forgetting the pain or pretending it didn’t happen
✘ Allowing toxic relationships to continue unchecked
✘ Automatically restoring trust without change
Through scripture, reflection, and personal exercises, this chapter will help you gain clarity on what true biblical forgiveness looks like so you can begin the journey of letting go and moving forward.
