What Did Jesus Say to His Disciples About Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a concept that has been discussed and debated for centuries. It is a topic that has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and scholars alike.

But what did Jesus say about forgiveness? What advice did he give to his disciples on this important topic?

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who has sinned against him. Peter suggested seven times, but Jesus replied, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (ESV). This response from Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the need to forgive without limit.

Jesus also teaches us about forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:12, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (ESV). This prayer serves as a reminder that we must forgive others if we want to be forgiven by God.

In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus tells his disciples that if someone sins against them and repents, they should forgive them. He says, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him” (ESV). This passage stresses the importance of repentance and the need for forgiveness when someone shows remorse for their actions.

Jesus also demonstrates forgiveness in his own life. In John 8:1-11, a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus.

The Pharisees wanted to stone her according to the law of Moses. However, Jesus responds by saying “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (ESV). After everyone left one by one starting with the oldest until only she was left standing there with Jesus, he told her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (ESV).

In conclusion, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of forgiveness without limit. He shows us that forgiveness is essential for our own salvation and that we need to forgive others if we want to be forgiven by God.

It is a reminder that we must forgive those who have wronged us and show mercy towards them. By forgiving others, we can find peace in our own lives and build stronger relationships with those around us.