Forgiveness is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the act of pardoning an offender and letting go of resentment or retribution. In the Bible, forgiveness is both a divine attribute and a human responsibility.

Divine Forgiveness: God's willingness to forgive is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself as "forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin" (Exodus 34:7). The Psalms frequently celebrate God's mercy and readiness to forgive: "But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared" (Psalm 130:4). The prophet Isaiah speaks of God's promise to forgive: "I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more" (Isaiah 43:25).

Forgiveness in the Teachings of Jesus: Jesus Christ emphasized forgiveness as a fundamental aspect of His message. In the Lord's Prayer, He taught His disciples to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Jesus illustrated the importance of forgiveness in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), where He underscores the necessity of forgiving others as God has forgiven us. Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness is demonstrated on the cross, where He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Human Responsibility to Forgive: Believers are called to emulate God's forgiveness in their relationships with others. The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness is not merely a suggestion but a command, as seen in Colossians 3:13: "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" .

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: While forgiveness is a personal decision to release an offender from the debt of their wrongdoing, reconciliation involves the restoration of a broken relationship. The Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and reconciliation, as seen in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" .

Vengeance

Vengeance, or the act of seeking retribution or punishment for a wrong, is addressed in the Bible as a prerogative of God rather than humans. The Scriptures consistently warn against personal vengeance and emphasize God's role as the ultimate judge.

Divine Vengeance: The Bible affirms that vengeance belongs to God alone. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay" . This theme is reiterated in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19). God's vengeance is portrayed as just and righteous, aimed at upholding His holiness and justice.

Human Prohibition Against Vengeance: Believers are instructed to refrain from taking vengeance into their own hands. Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This radical call to love and forgiveness stands in stark contrast to the natural human inclination toward revenge. The Apostle Peter echoes this teaching, urging Christians not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

Vengeance and Justice: While personal vengeance is prohibited, the Bible acknowledges the role of governing authorities in executing justice. Romans 13:4 describes the governing authority as "God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" . This indicates that God has established civil authorities to maintain order and justice in society.

Eschatological Vengeance: The Bible also speaks of a future time when God will execute final judgment and vengeance upon the wicked. Revelation 19:2 proclaims, "For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His servants" . This eschatological perspective assures believers that ultimate justice will be served by God in His perfect timing.