As explored in Why We Forgive – Part 1, we are called to forgive because we have been forgiven. In respect to forgiveness, God simply asks us to give that which He so graciously gave us. And that’s just it. God asks us to forgive, which means that forgiveness is not an option. [Tweet that] Colossians 3:13 says, “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” It’s a command.

Jesus tells us during His Sermon on the Mount,

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15

While this command may seem harsh, we need to look at the heart of God to gain understanding. We know God is not just loving, but that––as the bible says––God is love. That’s simply who He is. It’s part of His character. He is the complete embodiment of love. With that in mind, we can infer that every command given by God or any action He takes comes from a place of love. [Tweet that]

It is God who knows what’s best for us. And the command to forgive is for our good and for His glory. [Tweet that]

Yet, we can’t forgive on our own. I know this all too well! I tried to will myself into a place of healing and forgiveness for close to ten years, without success.

No, what we needed to do is lay down our pride and allow God to give us the strength to forgive. [Tweet that] It is His work that needs to be done. Our job is to simply obey and seek Him as we commit to our decision to forgive.

{Forgiveness is not an option. It is a command.}

What are your thoughts or struggles pertaining to God’s command to forgive? Share in the comments.