God's teachings on forgiveness, as presented particularly in the Bible, emphasize forgiveness as a central and essential spiritual principle. Forgiveness involves releasing the genuine debt of wrongdoing without holding resentment or desire for retaliation. God's forgiveness is described as merciful, compassionate, and ready to cleanse sins completely, making those who confess sins blessed and healed (Psalm 103:3-4; Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 32:1-7).
Jesus Christ highlights forgiveness as a mandate for His followers, exemplified in His words from the Lord's Prayer asking God to forgive "as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12) and in teachings that encourage limitless forgiveness—"not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:21-22). Jesus also models forgiveness himself when He asks God to forgive those who crucify Him (Luke 23:34).
Forgiveness is not only an act toward others but also necessary for one's own spiritual freedom, as holding unforgiveness leads to bitterness and hinders effective communication with God (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25). The Bible teaches that God's forgiveness of us is meant to inspire us to forgive others, reflecting God's nature—merciful and gracious—and enabling restored fellowship with Him and peace in our own hearts (Ephesians 4:32, Luke 6:36).
In summary, God says forgiveness is a vital, ongoing practice that mirrors His own mercy, it frees both the forgiver and the forgiven, and it is essential for spiritual health and relationship with God and others. Forgiveness should be extended endlessly and lovingly, as a reflection of God's boundless grace and kindness toward humanity.