This is a crucial question which comes from the heart of God Almighty and connects to our inner being. As we examine his character in the Bible, we get to understand that forgiveness pleases God.

I have been a true Christian for a long time, but it has taken me a long time to understand it fully.  By God’s grace I’m going to explain it here so that the reader can understand it as well.

As you know, we all have hurt someone or vice-versa. Did you notice that people who hurt us most are the closest? Relationships break down because of sin, but forgiveness heals broken hearts.  And sometimes it takes a long time to forgive someone, but when we deal with it quickly the better.  Some people think words hurt more than actions, but I differ from this argument.  I believe both hurt more or less the same; I speak from my personal experiences.

Back to the question; what does forgiveness mean?

It means:

• not to hold a grudge against the person
• to erase the issue against the person who has sinned against you
• to say that you have forgiven them
• to pray for the person, or wish them well
• to ask God to forgive them for the wrong they’ve done to you (when Jesus was crucified he said Father forgive them)

This is the issue, it feels good to be forgiven; as you have experienced forgiveness brings peace and joy. So, Father God wants us to understand, if we feel good when we are forgiven by others, imagine the forgiveness of God.  Jesus said, for if you forgive men (people) when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men for their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew. 6:14

So, we learn that to gain salvation we have to do what Jesus says. We also learn from the Bible, that God can only forgive sins through Jesus. For, there is no other way we can be saved apart from blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses our sins. (Hebrews 9)