We forgive not for our sake – for that is a selfish reason. But we forgive so that our transgressors may be forgiven by Christ. Christ will forgive us once we forgive others, but the main reason is so that our transgressors may be forgiven by Christ. Especially if they are unbelievers, we must forgive, so that compassion may be given unto them.
We also must forgive so that we do not succumb to Satan’s evil traps. He tries to trap us in grief or resentment, yet if we can forgive our perpetrators, we beat the attacks against us. We can proudly boast the name of Jesus Christ when we find freedom in His name, as we forgive and have compassion on others, so that Christ may be glorified in everyone’s lives.
Not wanting to forgive is selfish and a trap from the devil. Do not mistake it for anything else.
We must forgive in order to reach Christ and his forgiveness. For if He can forgive us for our MANY sins… we can forgive others for their sins against us.
“What I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
2 Corinthians 2:10-11