Because if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will forgive you too. Bear with each other and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving one another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you forgive. Therefore, dress like the chosen ones of God, with holy and beloved hearts, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, supporting one another and, if any of you have a complaint against the other, forgiving one another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. In fact, Jesus explains in more detail after the Lord's Prayer that forgiveness on our part brings with it God's forgiveness.
Those who have received this type of forgiveness are so moved by gratitude to God that they also enthusiastically forgive those who are indebted to them. However, the Bible also shows us that our willingness to forgive our sins is directly related to the forgiveness of our sins when our relationships with others are harmed in any way. Because if you forgive others for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you don't forgive others their offenses, neither will your Father forgive your offenses. If you need forgiveness right now, or if you need some motivation to forgive someone in your life, check out these 20 Bible verses about healing, restoration and harmony that can be found through forgiveness.
