Why Should You Forgive? (Forgiveness Part 3)

Text: Mark 11:24–25, Ephesians 4:26–32, Matthew 6:14–15

Forgiveness is not a suggestion for the Christian—it is a divine requirement. Yet, many still struggle with the why. Why should I forgive someone who hurt me deeply? Why should I let go when I feel justified in my pain? In this third part of our Forgiveness Series, we explore powerful biblical reasons why forgiveness is not just an act of obedience—but an act of freedom, healing, and alignment with the heart of God.

1. Unforgiveness Hinders Your Prayers

Jesus directly connects the effectiveness of our prayers to the condition of our hearts. Harbouring unforgiveness short-circuits our communication with God. If we want heaven to respond to our prayers, we must ensure our hearts are free of bitterness. In Mark 11:24-25, He said, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
In the words of the Psalmist, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18).

If you want your prayers heard, forgive!

2. Unforgiveness Opens the Door to the Enemy

When we nurse anger and hold grudges, we leave spiritual doors open for demonic influence. Bitterness, rage, and resentment are not harmless emotions—they are footholds for darkness. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Paul warns further: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32).

Unforgiveness is like an open invitation to the enemy to torment your thoughts, relationships, and spiritual health.

3. Unforgiveness Shuts the Door of God’s Forgiveness

This truth is sobering: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14–15).
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37). Jesus repeats this principle in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:34–35), where the unforgiving man is handed over to tormentors.

Refusing to forgive others locks you out of the very mercy you depend on.

4. Unforgiveness Makes Your Worship Unacceptable

God is not impressed by offerings from a bitter heart. Before you raise your hands in worship or give in the offering plate, check your relationships. Jesus said, “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24).

A heart full of offense cannot offer true worship.

5. Forgiveness Heals and Releases You

Unforgiveness does more damage to you than to the person who hurt you. It’s been said: “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die.” Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Bitterness contaminates the heart and spreads into every area of life—relationships, emotions, and even physical health. But forgiveness brings release. It closes wounds and frees you from the mental and emotional torment of resentment.

6. Forgiveness Puts God in Charge

When you forgive, you are not saying the offence didn’t matter—you are saying God can handle it better than you can. Forgiveness shifts the burden of justice from your shoulders to God’s. Paul said in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up on justice; it means trusting the Judge of all the earth to do what is right.

7. Forgiveness Makes Room for the Offender to Repent

Forgiveness doesn’t just release you—it opens the door for the offender to experience God’s conviction and mercy. When you respond in grace, you reflect the goodness of God and provide a space for repentance and transformation. First Timothy 2:3-4 says, that God desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8. Forgiveness Makes You Like Your Father in Heaven

One of my best scriptures in the Bible is Matthew 5:44-45, 48. In there, Jesus said, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” When you forgive, you mirror the very heart of God. You display maturity, mercy, and divine love. You show the world what it truly means to be a child of God.

In conclusion, forgive because God has forgiven you. Forgiveness is not about minimizing the offense or pretending it didn’t hurt. It’s about choosing obedience, healing, and freedom. It’s about partnering with God to see both your heart and the heart of the offender transformed.

If you're holding on to pain today, release it to Jesus. Let forgiveness flow freely, just as it was freely given to you.

Nourish Your Spirit