How Quickly Should You Forgive?
Seven biblical truths that call us to forgive without delay
After days of silence, I asked Dad why he wouldn’t talk to Mum. He said withdrawing was his way of showing hurt—hoping she’d feel the weight of her actions and change.
But the long silence only widened the distance between them. I believe that honest, gentle words would have brought far more healing than withdrawal.
What he also failed to see was that delaying forgiveness didn’t just affect the two of them—it rippled through the whole household. For days, sometimes even months, our home lost the chatter, the laughter, and the simple joy that once filled it.
We often hear that forgiveness is a process. And in many ways, that’s true—especially when it comes to deep wounds or repeated offenses. While emotional healing and rebuilding trust may take time, here’s what we often forget: forgiveness itself should not be delayed.
Whenever I’m tempted to withhold forgiveness, I remind myself of these seven important truths:
1
I forgive because I am a recipient of God’s mercy
I forgive not because others deserve it—but because I’ve already been shown grace again and again. The Bible never tells me to wait until I feel ready to forgive. It tells me to forgive—because Jesus already did.
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
—Colossians 3:13, NIV
2
I forgive because it is an act of my obedience to God
When I forgive quickly, I respond in obedience to the One who forgave me completely.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” —Matthew 6:14–15, NIV
3
I forgive to shut the Enemy out and free my heart
Holding on to anger gives the enemy a foothold and keeps me trapped in bitterness. Forgiveness breaks his grip, unclenches my heart, and restores peace within.
“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… and do not give the devil a foothold.” —Ephesians 4:26–27, NIV
4
I forgive to seek peace not avoidance
Forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring the problem or tolerating any wrongdoing. God calls me to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to make every effort to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). That means addressing all hurt with honesty and grace—aiming not for silence, but for true peace.
5
I forgive because God alone is Judge
God never asks me to pretend I’m not hurt. But He does call me to give my anger to Him, rather than letting it rule my heart. I forgive because vengeance belongs to God, not me. Forgiveness frees me to trust His justice.
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord.
—Romans 12:19, NIV
6
I forgive because God calls me to love and pray for those who offend me
Jesus commanded me to pray for those who wrong me. Forgiveness shifts my heart from bitterness to prayer, opening the door for God’s healing to work in them—and in me.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
—Matthew 5:44, NIV
7
I forgive because forgiveness allows love to have the last word and joy to linger in the room—even when I’ve faced disappointment.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” —Colossians 3:13–14, NIV
Let this prayer be the posture of our hearts:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the mercy You’ve poured into my life again and again. Help me to obey You by forgiving quickly, shutting the door on the enemy, and seeking true peace. Teach me to trust Your justice and to love and pray even for those who hurt me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
My Everyday Promise
I will forgive quickly, respond to hurt with grace and trust God to bring the healing.
For deeper reflection:
Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 6:37-38, Mark 11:25
🎵 Listen to an inspiring song
If forgiving feels difficult, remember this: we don’t forgive out of our own strength—we forgive because we’ve already been forgiven. The song ‘You Forgive Me’ is a joyful reminder of God’s love and mercy toward us. As you listen, let it encourage you to extend the same grace quickly to others, just as God has so freely given it to you.
