Do I have to forgive to be forgiven?
Jesus connected our forgiveness to forgiving others. Understand this vital teaching and what it means for you.
15 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
The Joy of Forgiveness
David celebrates the blessedness of forgiven sin, describing both the misery of hiding guilt and the relief of confession, then inviting others to trust in God's steadfast love.
A Prayer for Cleansing and Renewal
David's profound psalm of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. This deeply personal prayer reveals the path from guilt to restoration through God's mercy.
Greatness, Sin, and Forgiveness in the Kingdom
Jesus teaches that the greatest in the Kingdom are those who humble themselves like children. He warns severely against causing others to stumble, teaches about church discipline, and tells the Parabl...
Faith, Healing, and Forgiveness
Jesus heals a centurion's servant, marveling at the Gentile's great faith. He raises a widow's son from the dead at Nain. When John the Baptist sends to ask if Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus points to Hi...
Faith, Forgiveness, and the Coming Kingdom
Jesus teaches about causing others to stumble, the duty to forgive repeatedly, and faith like a mustard seed. He heals ten lepers but only one returns to give thanks. He warns that the kingdom comes w...
Forgiveness for the Offender
Paul explains his change of plans was to spare them pain. He urges them to forgive the one who caused grief, lest Satan gain advantage. Their reception of Titus brings relief and triumph.
Authority to Forgive, Heal, and Call Sinners
Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins by healing a paralytic, calls Matthew the tax collector, and responds to criticism by declaring He came not for the righteous but for sinners. Multiple...
Authority to Forgive and Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus heals a paralytic, declaring His authority to forgive sins. He calls Levi the tax collector, eats with sinners, and defends His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, declaring Himself Lord...
Teach Me Your Paths
David prays for guidance, protection, and forgiveness in this acrostic psalm, repeatedly asking God to teach him and lead him in truth while remembering His steadfast love.
Restore Us, O God
A passionate plea for God to restore His people, using the imagery of Israel as God's vine. The refrain "Restore us, O God" cries out for His face to shine again and bring salvation.
A Rebellious Nation Called to Repentance
Isaiah opens with a stunning indictment of Judah. God's own people have rebelled worse than animals who know their master. Yet even in judgment, God offers hope: "Though your sins are like scarlet, th...
The Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing
Jesus enters Jerusalem as King, riding a colt while crowds shout Hosanna. He curses a fruitless fig tree, cleanses the temple of merchants, and teaches about faith and prayer when the disciples see th...
Stephen's Speech and Martyrdom
Stephen delivers a sweeping speech tracing Israel's history of rejecting God's messengers. He accuses his hearers of resisting the Holy Spirit like their fathers. Enraged, they stone him. Stephen sees...
Patience Until the Lord's Coming
James's final chapter warns the rich of coming judgment, calls believers to patient endurance like Job and the prophets, forbids oaths, encourages prayer in all circumstances, and emphasizes the power...
Lord of the Sabbath and Conflict with the Pharisees
Conflict escalates as Jesus defends His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath and heals on the Sabbath, declaring Himself Lord of the Sabbath. The Pharisees plot His death, accuse Him of demonic ...
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.