Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a key teaching in most world religions. It means letting go of anger, resentment, or the desire for revenge when someone has caused harm. Forgiveness is often seen as reflecting God’s own forgiving nature, since believers are encouraged to be compassionate, kind, and merciful. However, forgiveness does not necessarily mean that punishment is avoided. Many religious people believe that while wrongdoers should be forgiven, they should also face justice for their actions.

Christianity and Forgiveness

In Christianity, forgiveness is central. Christians are expected to forgive others if they want God to forgive them. This idea is found in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Christians believe that God’s mercy is endless, and they are called to show that same mercy to others.

When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, suggesting seven times, Jesus replied: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21–22). This is understood to mean that forgiveness should be unlimited. Jesus himself demonstrated forgiveness on the cross when he prayed: “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

For Christians, forgiveness is not simply an option but a duty. However, many also stress that forgiveness is not a replacement for justice. Wrongdoers can still be punished while being forgiven, and forgiveness is seen as part of the process of healing both for the victim and for the offender.

Judaism and Forgiveness

In Judaism, forgiveness is also important but works slightly differently. Forgiveness is not seen as automatic. Instead, the person who has caused harm must show genuine remorse and ask sincerely for forgiveness. Without this step, forgiveness is not required.

A key period in the Jewish calendar is the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During this time, Jews are expected to make peace with others by asking for forgiveness if they have done wrong. On Yom Kippur, Jews believe that if they have sought forgiveness from others, then God will forgive them.

The Hebrew Bible also emphasises God’s willingness to forgive. In Isaiah 1:18, God says: “Be your sins like crimson, they can turn snow-white; be they red as dyed wool, they can become like fleece.” This shows that even the greatest sins can be forgiven if repentance is genuine. Jews also believe that victims have a duty to forgive once a person has sincerely apologised and shown repentance.

Conclusion

Both Christianity and Judaism teach that forgiveness is vital for healing relationships and restoring community. Christians stress unlimited forgiveness as part of imitating God’s mercy, while Jews highlight the need for repentance and responsibility before forgiveness is granted. In both traditions, forgiveness is deeply connected to God’s nature, but it does not mean escaping justice or punishment.