Why Must We Forgive?

1.   To be forgiven by our Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:14-15  For if you let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will have forgiveness from your Father in heaven. But if you do not let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will not have forgiveness from your Father for your sins.

2.   It is an act of love.
1 Peter 4:8  And most of all be warm in your love for one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number.

3.   They do not know what they are doing.
Luke 23:34  And Jesus said, Father, let them have forgiveness, for they have no knowledge of what they are doing. And they made division of his clothing among them by the decision of chance.

4.   To set the offender free.
John 20:23  Any to whom you give forgiveness, will be made free from their sins; and any from whom you keep back forgiveness, will still be in their sins.

5.   To keep the offender from bitterness.
2 Corinthians 2:7  So that now, on the other hand, it is right for him to have forgiveness and comfort from you, for fear that his sorrow may be over-great.