Friday, August 14, 2020

How Christian Meditation Can Help You Forgive


By: Sarah Geringer 

Forgiveness is hard, but God commands us to do it.

How many times have you wanted to hold on to a wrong because you don’t think the offender deserves your forgiveness?

It’s so easy to fall into that trap, which leads to bitterness.

But by meditating on scriptures that speak of forgiveness, like these listed here, can help you learn how to forgive.


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.

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

Jesus speaks very directly here: you must forgive if you want to be forgiven. Simple to hear, yet sometimes hard to put into action. Meditate on this verse to understand why it’s necessary to forgive.


Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

Jesus says we must keep forgiving, not just once but many times, to be like him. By meditating on this verse each time bitterness springs up, you can forgive again and again to find greater peace.


This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:28 NIV

Jesus spoke these words at the Last Supper. He gave his life so that we can be forgiven. What an amazing sacrifice!


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.

Luke 17:3-4 NIV

Jesus instructs us to not withhold forgiveness from someone who is repentant, even if they keep making the same mistake again and again.


Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Luke 23:34 NIV

Jesus said this about the Roman soldiers who were nailing him to the cross and treating him horribly. If he can say that about those brutal soldiers, surely we can forgive the ones who hurt us.


Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 NIV

Here we learn that when we withhold forgiveness, it can cause the offender unnecessary suffering. God wants us to set them free as soon as we can through forgiveness.


Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

This verse tells us we must bear with each other, not giving up on each other at the first offense.


But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Psalm 130:4 NIV

Remember, God is the source of forgiveness. When we are forgiven by God, we can serve him freely. Likewise, when we forgive others, we find more freedom.


May verses like these help you learn how to forgive and be persistent in your practice of forgiveness.


Here's a prayer to encourage you today:

Heavenly Father,

I praise you for the gift of forgiveness.
You have given me this gift at a great price.
I admit that I often choose unforgiveness and bitterness instead.
Teach me to give this gift to others, the way you have given it to me.
Through meditating on your Word when I'm tempted to withhold forgiveness,
help me surrender to you when I'm tempted and experience your peace instead.
I thank you in advance for helping me grow in forgiveness.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Want more tips on Christian meditation? Check out my book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus and the 31-Day Christian Meditation Challenge I'm currently hosting.

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Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings and God's peace to you,





Photo from Canva.com




Thanks to BibleGateway.com for easy scripture navigation!

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