Question 292: How do you forgive others?

Answer:

I forgive others by remembering how much God has forgiven me in Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I choose to release resentment, entrust justice to God, and seek reconciliation when possible. Forgiving others does not mean excusing sin, but reflects God’s mercy and breaks the power of bitterness in my heart. (Matthew 6:14–15, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:19, Luke 6:37)

Full Scripture References

“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 yours.” – Matthew 6:14–15 (BSB)

“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (BSB)

“Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 (BSB)

“Do not take revenge, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19 (BSB)

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Forgiveness is one of the clearest marks of a heart transformed by grace. We forgive not because it is easy or deserved, but because God has first forgiven us in Christ. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Anglican Network in Canada) teaches, “Forgiveness flows from the cross. The one who has knelt at Calvary cannot withhold mercy from others.” (Proclaiming the Gospel with Clarity and Compassion, 2020)

Forgiving others involves a decision of the will empowered by the Holy Spirit. Fr. Elijah Simmons (Anglican Union, Church of the Holy Redeemer, TX) explains, “Forgiveness does not begin with feeling—it begins with obedience. We release our right to retaliate, entrust judgment to God, and leave the past at the foot of the cross.” (The Heart Set Free, 2021)

Forgiveness is not the same as forgetting, excusing sin, or ignoring justice. Bishop David Epps (CEEC - Anglican, Diocese of the Mid-South) clarifies, “To forgive is not to deny the wrong but to deny it power over your soul. Forgiveness does not erase history—it transforms its weight.” (The Practice of Christian Mercy, 2022)

Jesus calls us to radical mercy in community. Forgiveness must be a continual discipline, not a rare event. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) writes, “Forgiveness is the oxygen of the Church. Without it, every fellowship suffocates. With it, we breathe the very life of God.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) adds, “Forgiveness is not weakness—it is victory. It breaks the chains of resentment and imitates the love of Christ, who forgave even His enemies.” (The Power of the Cross in Everyday Life, 2020)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“He who has been forgiven must forgive. There is no better proof of grace received than grace given.” – Augustine of Hippo, Homily on the Lord’s Prayer, c. 400 AD

“To forgive is to resemble Christ. It is to overcome evil not with vengeance, but with love.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans, c. 390 AD

“Let no Christian bear hatred in his heart. Forgive, and you will be free; cling to wrath, and you are still in bondage.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Lord’s Prayer, c. 250 AD

“Forgiveness is the strength of the righteous. To forgive is not to yield, but to conquer.” – Basil the Great, Moral Exhortations, c. 375 AD