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)