Forgiveness scriptures may appear as empty words to some but are valuable to others. People who need to forgive themselves and forgive others may find these quotes helpful. They can serve as inspiration and the first step towards healing. But why is forgiveness important? The following quotes and scriptures on forgiveness will help you understand why.
Forgiveness Scriptures and Quotes to Help You Understand the True Meaning of Forgiveness
1. “Never repeat old grievances.” – Bible
The Bible, being one of the best-selling books of all time, provides a canonical verse that is short and simple. True enough, a common cause for an argument between and among people is how we tend to bring up past mistakes. Doing that will only aggravate the current situation. Stick to the present and resolve it as amicably as possible.
2. “He who forgiveth and is reconciled unto his enemy shall receive his reward from God; for he loveth not the unjust doers.” – Quran
The Quran, regarded as the finest work in classical Arabic literature, provides a divine message that translates to forgiveness being rewarded. Indeed, forgiving and being forgiven are rewarding in so many ways. For believers of the Quran, it means being rewarded by God and for the rest, it could mean differently, like receiving peace of mind.
3. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi
More often than not, what holds us back from saying we’re sorry is pride. We feel like if we’re the ones to say it first, we lose. But it is a fallacy to believe that asking for forgiveness is a sign of weakness. As quoted from Mahatma Gandhi, it is in fact a brave thing to do.
4. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. shares a similar method with Mahatma Gandhi of encouraging people to ask for forgiveness and accept it. In this quote, he juxtaposed opposite concepts to drive his point. In other words, if you’re stuck in the dark holding grudges on yourself or on others, the best way to get out of it is to walk into the light and let go of all your pain and hatred.
5. “Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.” – Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee teaches us with this quote that the first step to forgiveness is to actually admit our fault. Though we’re not the ones to throw the first punch in some cases, it doesn’t mean we’re faultless. It’s almost always a two-way scenario where we could have done something to ease the tension. Own up to your mistake and everything else will follow.
6. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.” – Maya Angelou
The road to forgiveness may be long and hard. But once you are ready and able to forgive yourself and others, things become lighter and better. You start healing from the inside out and that’s the moment where you can say you’ve given yourself the best gift ever.
7. “Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense.” – Robert Frost
An issue isn’t always caused by something big or important. Sometimes, they’re pretty much small and simple. Case in point, you might dislike someone who has a different opinion than yours. Start by accepting the fact that each one of us is unique and has his or her own opinion we need to respect.
8. “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” – Alexander Pope
It is inevitable for us to make mistakes, perhaps some more than others. That is why we need to learn how to forgive ourselves for our shortcomings as well as forgive others for theirs. Otherwise, it is only going to end up as a vicious cycle where we keep hating and blaming each other for mistakes that are bound to happen anyway.
9. “All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion, and forgiveness; the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.” – Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is often quoted and for good reason. That is, it somehow provides universal thoughts embraced across groups. This quote, for example, enumerates three essentials that we all should have on a daily basis: love, compassion, and forgiveness.
The Life Issues Channel shares more forgiveness scriptures and quotations to find the true meaning of forgiveness:
There are many benefits of forgiveness. It is rewarding in so many ways, gives you peace of mind, and helps you move on from the past. Yet, you have to remember that it is not only about giving it, it is also about accepting it. Forgive yourself. Forgive everybody.
Which among the forgiveness scriptures or quotes did you find most inspiring? Let us know in the comments section below!
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