As Christians, we are to maintain a constant position of forgiveness and grace toward ALL mankind, saved and the unsaved. We don’t get to pick and choose who we forgive because Christ didn’t pick and choose who He died for.

‘who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ‘

Hebrews 1:3

‘By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’

Hebrews 10:10

Christians are Admonished to Forgive Others

The content and context of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and the doctrines of grace clearly demonstrate that all who believe the gospel are forgiven of all their sins; past, present, and future. The fact that a believer has been forgiven of all their sins is the bases for Christians to do likewise and forgive others.

For example, in Colossians 3:13, Paul writes that we should be, ‘bearing with one another, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.’

Also in Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Not Forgiving is the Antithesis of God’s Grace

When a believer is incapable of forgiving another they are not only in opposition to God’s grace. They are ignoring that it was the Creator God Himself that has forgiven them of all their sins when they didn’t deserve it.

They are placing themselves in the position of judge and jury. Taking Christ off the cross. Making the choice on their own not to forgive another for whatever reason they come up with to please their flesh. Because there is no Biblical support for Christians not to forgive people no matter who they are or what they may have done, saved or unsaved.

‘Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

 

Romans 14:4,10

Conclusion

God’s Word is definitive on the matter of believers forgiving others.

‘bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. ‘

 

Colossians 3:13