Understanding God’s Condition for Forgiveness

By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Shalom!

Today, I want to address a vital subject that many believers overlook God’s condition for granting forgiveness. This is not just a theological topic, but a practical, spiritual principle that deeply affects our relationship with God. If we misunderstand this truth, we may live our whole Christian life assuming we are forgiven, while in reality, we are not.

Please read carefully to the end this could affect your eternity.

1. Everyone Needs Forgiveness

The Bible makes it clear that

“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

(Romans 3:23, ESV). No one is exempt. Even if we avoid obvious, intentional sin, there are still the hidden faults and unintentional offenses we commit dailyespecially through our words, attitudes, or negligence (Psalm 19:12).

You might unknowingly hurt someone through what you thought was a harmless comment, but in God’s eyes, causing your brother to stumble is not a light matter (Matthew 18:6). That’s why a lifestyle of repentance is essential for every Christian (1 John 1:9).

2. God’s Forgiveness Has a Condition

Contrary to popular belief, God’s forgiveness is not unconditional. While salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), forgiveness requires something from usthat we forgive others.

Jesus was very clear about this in the Lord’s Prayer:

 

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
—Matthew 6:12 (ESV)

 

He didn’t add conditions to asking for daily bread or deliverance from evil. But when it came to forgiveness, He set a clear principle: our forgiveness from God is directly tied to our willingness to forgive others.

This is reinforced immediately after the prayer:

 

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
—Matthew 6:14–15 (ESV)

 

This is not a mere suggestion it’s a divine law. God is holy and just, and He cannot contradict His word. If you choose not to forgive, you are choosing to forfeit God’s forgiveness.

3. God May Bless You But He Won’t Forgive You

It’s sobering to realize that God may still bless someone materially even if their heart is not right. Jesus said the Father

“makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Matthew 5:45, ESV).

You might receive wealth, health, and answered prayers in some areas, even while holding grudges but when it comes to forgiveness of sin, God draws a hard line.

You can’t expect mercy while denying it to others. Jesus told a parable about this in Matthew 18:21–35. A servant forgiven a great debt refused to forgive someone who owed him very little. The master then said:

 

“‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.”
—Matthew 18:32–34 (ESV)

 

Jesus concluded with a stern warning:

 

“So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
—Matthew 18:35 (ESV)

 

4. Unforgiveness Can Cost You Eternal Life

This is not a small issue it has eternal consequences. If you die without having forgiven someone from your heart, you risk eternal separation from God. Jesus didn’t come so we could say we’re saved while holding on to bitterness. He came to set us free, and that includes freeing us from resentment and revenge (Ephesians 4:31–32).

You might say, “But you don’t know what they did to me!”
True but God does. And still, He calls you to forgive. Jesus Himself forgave His murderers as they crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Stephen, the first martyr, prayed for those stoning him (Acts 7:60). We are called to follow their example.

If you are unwilling to forgive, you are not walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25), no matter how long you’ve been in church or how many scriptures you quote.

5. Forgiveness Must Become a Way of Life

Forgiveness is not a one-time event it’s a lifestyle. Jesus said we must forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22, ESV), meaning continually. The Apostle Paul urges us:

 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
—Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

 

You may not feel like forgiving. But forgiveness is not about emotionit’s  about obedience. Let go of the bitterness, not because they deserve it, but because God commands it and because your soul depends on it.

Conclusion:

Don’t gamble with your soul.
You can be generous, prayerful, even a leader in the church but if you harbor unforgiveness, you stand condemned by the very God you serve.

Let this be your daily prayer:
“Lord, help me forgive as You have forgiven me. Cleanse my heart from bitterness and make me whole again.”

May the Holy Spirit give you strength to walk in love, and may your life reflect the mercy you’ve received.

Shalom. Live forgiven and forgiving.

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