What does the bible say about forgiveness?

What does the bible say about Forgiveness?

What do you think when you think of forgiving someone? Does it make a difference to you what they have done or does it matter who they are, what your reaction is instantly? What about long term? Do you lose your cool  and then calm down or do you hold a grudge to which it may never be forgiven? Do you consider any certain transgressions unforgivable?

My old standard pattern was the "three strikes and you're out deal" unless it was malicious or intentionally overly hurtful and then it would depend who you were in my life. If you were a close friend or family member you would  automatically be given one free pass; afterall they are your family right?  I know it sounds silly now but it kinda worked for me or so I thought. Where are most of those people now?....hmmm.  I believe God is in full control so it has all happened with a grand purpose in mind that is far greater than we could ever fully comprehend but I know I didn't make the right choices in this department that is for sure ;)  I was not following Jesus' example but I am trying now :) I hold no resentment toward anyone in my life, whether from the past or present. All is forgiven if I haven't told the people in my life directly.  And hopefully those I have wronged will find it in their hearts to forgive me as well. God willing there is another tomorrow for me to work toward getting it right 100% of the time.

These are just a few scripture quotes. There are many more ;) I hope you take them to heart and pay close attention to all of them of course but special attention to the last one xoxoxoxo

John 20:22-23
 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
²³ Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Acts 10:43
⁴³ To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Luke 7:47-48
⁴⁷ Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
⁴⁸ And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth inequity, and passeth by  the transgression of the remnant of his heritage. He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our inequities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Matthew 6:9-15
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen."

Acts 2:38 "Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

Luke 24:46-47 "And said unto them, "This it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seven times seventy seven."  
7 times 70 is synonymous with Gods eternal forgiveness. 

We are to forgive always. Ask yourself  if your path and your rewards are based on your actions would you make different decisions? Sometimes I think he teaches us lessons that we need to learn as well and I don't know about you but I don't want to be taught a lesson in forgiveness.  Never let anyone change who you are by mirroring their actions or allowing them to distract you from your goal. Everyone has a purpose in your life even if they serve as an example of who you don't want to be.  Only God knows the plan. We just have to follow his word, strive to live by them daily and keep the faith and remember to always forgive as Jesus would :):)