The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness  
By Don Vess*

There is perhaps no greater power than the power of forgiveness!

Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV) declares, *"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit."*

God has forgiven us **all** our sins. 1 John 1:7-10 (NKJV) reminds us that if we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Forgiveness is not just something we receive; it’s a gift we are called to extend to others. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) calls us to put away bitterness and instead to *“be kind to each other, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”*

The apostle Paul repeats this message in Colossians 3:12-13, where he urges us to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, and patience, making allowances for each other's faults. He concludes: *“Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”*

One of the most powerful stories of forgiveness is found in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph forgave his brothers when they were reunited years later. When his brothers feared retribution after their father Jacob's death, Joseph responded with humility and grace:  
*"Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."* (Genesis 50:19-20, NLT)

This remarkable act of forgiveness demonstrates the heart of someone who trusts in God's sovereignty, even through immense personal suffering.

Romans 12:17-21 instructs us never to repay evil for evil but to live in peace and leave vengeance to God. True forgiveness, as seen in Joseph’s story and Paul’s teachings, involves releasing our desire for revenge and trusting that God will handle justice in His perfect time.

The prophet Elisha also demonstrated forgiveness in 2 Kings 6:23. When the enemy Aramean soldiers were captured, instead of ordering their death, Elisha had the king of Israel feed them and send them home. As a result, the enemy stayed away from Israel. This story shows how forgiveness can bring peace where there once was conflict. As Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV) says, *“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”*

Forgiveness pleases the Lord. But when we harbor unforgiveness, it imprisons us. We think we are holding others captive, but the truth is that unforgiveness chains our own hearts. It hinders our freedom and peace.

Are you ready to be set free from the weight of unforgiveness? Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:14-15 that if we forgive others, our heavenly Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive, we forfeit His forgiveness in our own lives.

The power of forgiveness lies in its ability to break the chains of anger, bitterness, and resentment, freeing both the forgiver and the forgiven. Extend forgiveness today, and experience the peace and freedom that only God can give.