Forgiveness, application of

God's forgiveness of believers' sins leads them to pray for his forgiveness of others and to be forgiving in their dealings with other people.

Prayers for forgiveness on behalf of others

For God's own people

Exodus 32:30–32 See also Nehemiah 1:4–11; Daniel 9:4–19; Amos 7:1–6

The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”

For other human beings

Genesis 18:20–33

For one's persecutors

Luke 23:33–34 See also Matthew 5:43–44; Acts 7:59–60

When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Prayers for forgiveness for oneself

Luke 11:4 parallel Matthew 6:12 See also Nehemiah 9:1–3; Psalm 51:1–17

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Examples of forgiveness given

Psalm 32:1–5 See also Isaiah 6:1–7; John 8:3–11

Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

The call to exercise forgiveness

As a principle of life

Luke 6:37 See also Matthew 5:38–48 parallel Luke 6:27–36

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Within the church

Colossians 3:12–13 See also 2 Corinthians 2:5–11; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8–9

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Forgiving enemies

Proverbs 24:17, Proverbs 25:21–22; Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20

Being forgiven is dependent on forgiving others

Mark 11:25–26 NIV footnote at verse 26. See also Matthew 6:12 parallel Luke 11:4; Matthew 6:14–15, Matthew 18:21–35; Luke 6:37

And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”

Forgiveness is to be without limits

Luke 17:3–4 See also Matthew 18:21–22

Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Examples of human forgiveness

Acts 7:59–60 See also Genesis 50:15–21; 2 Samuel 16:5–11

While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.