Why is forgiveness important for Christians?

Forgiveness is crucial for Christians because it embodies the character of God and facilitates genuine fellowship within the community of believers. Jesus addresses this importance directly in Matthew 18:21-35, where He emphasizes the necessity of forgiving others by illustrating the parable of the unforgiving servant. In this parable, the servant who was forgiven an immense debt failed to extend that forgiveness to another, resulting in dire consequences. This serves as a reminder that our ability to forgive is a reflection of our understanding of God’s grace toward us. Moreover, without forgiveness, relationships within the church can become strained, allowing divisions to arise and giving Satan a foothold to create discord among brethren. Therefore, living in the light of God's forgiveness empowers us to forgive others, promoting unity and demonstrating the radical love of Christ.