Forgiveness: Comparing Biblical Claims and Implications with Research in Modern Psychology

Click here to view 10 minute video summary of this article

Defining Forgiveness

Biblical Definition
            In the Bible, Jesus demonstrates the meaning of forgiveness as canceling a debt in the infamous “Lord’s Prayer” when He says, “Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, NKJV). In essence, when someone owes you, forgiveness puts their account back to zero debt. Just as when a financial debt is cleared and nothing is owed any longer, if someone has committed an offense they are thought of as owing a debt, however when forgiveness has taken place, they no longer owe the forgiver (or debtor) anything.
            Another biblical definition for forgiveness can be taken directly from the Greek in the New Testament, aphiémi, defined “to send away, leave alone, permit” (biblehub). This is divorce language in the Bible, referring to a complete disconnection from the thing (offense, person, debt) with which one was originally intimately connected. When one offends another, there is an intimate, negative connection to the offender, but forgiveness separates the offended person from the offense, and hopefully its immaterial consequences.
            When the Bible speaks of the forgiveness of God, terms such as “out of sight,” “cleared of guilt” (Psalm 32:1-2, NLT), “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12, NKJV), and forgetting is implied as in Hebrews 8:12 when God is quoted as saying. “…their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (NKJV). The forgiveness of God is a separation of the person from their transgression, and their Creator and Judge no longer remembers it or holds it against them.
            “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8 (NKJV). Jesus forgave people before they asked and before they deserved it. Forgiveness was extended and available. All one is required to do is believe in it and receive said forgiveness, by faith. Forgiveness is a decision, and arguably the greatest demonstration of love.
            Proverbs 10:12 tells us that “Hatred stirs old quarrels, but love overlooks insults” (NKJV). Living in a perpetual state of forgiveness and love includes overlooking insults. This is the everyday life of “the believer.” Walking in forgiveness and walking in love is living life according to biblical standards in a way that overlooks the faults, shortcomings and insults of others, as well as forgiving oneself for one’s own shortcomings.
            Collectively, in the Bible, forgiveness is defined as a conscious decision to release someone of the debt that is owed (financial or figurative). It is to release an offender from the consequences of their offense, and to separate oneself from an offense committed against them. It is also to clear them of the guilt or consequences of their sin (or perceived sin/offense).
            Sometimes this debt is only perceived, such as when one has been offended but the offense was either unintentional, or the offender did not actually perform the offense, in the first place or in the way the offended person felt they did. Whether perceived or real, the feeling of offense—and that a debt is owed—is always real, and therefore, the release of the debt by the debtor (forgiveness) is still necessary. This version of forgiveness is also represented in the following examples.

Definition in Modern Psychology
            “Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness” (Berkeley). The dictionary definition agrees with this definition, in addition to referring to the cancelling of a debt. The secular, psychological definition(s) of forgiveness are, for all intents and purposes, the same as the biblical definition. Therefore, the word will be treated as such throughout this paper.
            In a study of forgiveness in psychotherapy, Oxford University Press said that “forgiveness counseling…is a long, hard process of decision-making” (Affinito, 2002). “Stages [of forgiveness] generally consist of acknowledging the offense, deciding to forgive, and responding cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally (McCullough & Worthington)” (Brown, 2009). Forgiveness, at its best, and most difficult, is a decision.

Receiving forgiveness
            As demonstrated above, there are multiple facets to forgiveness, but two main categories are receiving forgiveness and forgiving others. Receiving forgiveness from God is akin to forgiving oneself, because one must perform that act themselves so they must get to an emotional or mental state where forgiveness can take place within themselves, even if they are receiving it as a free gift earned by Jesus and not of themselves. Receiving forgiveness can also be a precursor to forgiving others, as being forgiven facilitates being able to make the difficult decision to forgive. This is partly because forgiveness has first been demonstrated by another, and partly because it was experienced by the individual who received it.

Forgiving others
            The second category of forgiveness to be treated in this paper is forgiving others. Where receiving forgiveness is essentially forgiveness for the self, forgiving others is a giving act. It is a decision to give that same treatment to another. Interestingly, both can be considered a selfish act, as forgiving others does not necessitate the involvement of nor any communication with the forgiven. It is essentially for the health and well-being of the forgiver. Although the person being forgiven can be informed of such, it is absolutely unnecessary in order for them to be forgiven.

The Correlation Between Being Forgiven and Forgiving Others
            Matthew 6:12, from the Lord’s Prayer says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (NKJV). Jesus also says, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25, NKJV). Forgiving others allows one to receive forgiveness from God.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, “Pay me what you owe!” So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. (Matthew 18:21-34, NKJV)
            God forgives people a great amount. People are commanded to forgive others. When people do not forgive, life can be very difficult. The forgiveness people are supposed to extend to others should be a reflection of the forgiveness they receive, by faith, from God. We know “faith works by love” (Galatians 5:6, NKJV). Forgiveness is an act of love. If one has no love, their faith does not “work,” therefore, they cannot receive God’s forgiveness, by faith, if they are refusing to forgive others.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
(1 Timothy 1:15-16, NKJV)
            The ultimate example of forgiveness is found in Luke 23:34 as He hung on the cross, “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them [the ones murdering Him at that moment], for they know not what they do’” (NKJV). Jesus was forgiving the people who were murdering Him, while they were in the midst of the actual murder, humiliating him and yelling awful, degrading things at Him, after having beaten Him. This moment is where forgiveness that can be received by us was being accomplished, while at the same time showing us how we are expected to forgive. In a (Christian) study on the role of forgiveness after childhood sexual abuse, K.R. Morton et al found that “findings suggest forgiveness by God operates primarily through forgiveness of self” (2019).

​The Command to Forgive
            “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34, NKJV). How did Jesus love people? His entire purpose of coming to earth was to forgive people of their sins and restore their righteousness (right standing or connection with God). Therefore, this is how He is commanding His followers to behave. To forgive others completely, releasing them from any debt owed for their trespasses/sin.

Biblical Claims and Implications Concerning Forgiveness Compared to the Claims of Modern Psychology
            Throughout the Bible, many claims and implications concerning forgiveness (and conversely, “unforgiveness”) are made. Five claims that will be treated here are...

Biblical Claims and Implications Concerning Forgiveness Compared to the Claims of Modern Psychology
            Throughout the Bible, many claims and implications concerning forgiveness (and conversely, “unforgiveness”) are made. Five claims that will be treated here are that: Forgiveness causes peace and freedom; Forgiveness distances/disconnects the forgiver from the sin/offense of the trespasser/offender; Forgiveness causes better health; “Unforgiveness” causes anger and potential vengeance, misconduct and legal issues, possible imprisonment, ultimately causing the “victim” to have a debt to society; And continual forgiveness causes people to be walking in love with others as lifestyle, stronger, more selfless, and thereby abler to help others. Below, each of these claims/implications will be treated and compared to findings in the study of modern psychology. The findings in these portions have all proven to agree with the original theory and thesis of this project.

The Bible Claims/Implies that Forgiveness Causes Peace and Freedom, and Conversely, “Unforgiveness” Causes Unrest/Opposes Peace
      In Psalm 32:2, 5b, we see David, both a king and a prophet of God, say, “Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (NLT). The implication here is that as soon as forgiveness comes, the torment of guilt leaves. No guilt equals peace.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21, NKJV)
            The implication in Romans, above, is that living peaceably comes when one decides to release another of the debt that they owe – or forgive them. If one forgives the debt, then treats the other as if they had never sinned against them, they put the revenge in God’s hands, and can therefore experience peace with all. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (NKJV). This verse connects “forgiving one another” with the extinction of “bitterness, rage and anger, brawling, slander, and malice,” surely increasing the peace in one’s life by decreasing the negative ruminations.
            Proverbs 15:15 says, “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (NKJV). Arguably, when one has ought against others or is holding onto an owed “debt,” they are subjecting themselves to a form of oppression, defined as: “a sense of being weighed down in body or mind” (Merriam-Webster, 1989). The connection to the debt arguably weighs one down.

Does Psychology Research agree with the Bible that Forgiveness Causes Peace/Freedom and the Converse?
            In a research article titled, The Bitter Taste of Revenge: Negative Affect, Depression and Anxiety, by Barbara Barcaccia et al, we see that vengeful “behaviours [sic] are likely to be associated, or to lead to, a breaking-up of the relationship, and to retirement and isolation, loneliness, lack of affective resources and subsequent depression (Kuzubova 2015)” (2020). Also, revenge ends in feelings of “fear, anxiety, guilt and sadness” and “…revenge is associated to Negative Affect and that they represent the emotional context in which feelings of depression and anxiety more easily occur” (Barcaccia et al, 2020). “Thus, revenge is associated to…depression and anxiety” (Barcaccia et al, 2020).
            “One of the bitter costs of vengeance is precisely to become the object of countervengeance [sic] (Schumann and Ross 2010) …most people who take revenge end up feeling emotionally worse than individuals who do not (Carlsmith et al. 2008). Moreover, previous studies found an association among revenge, depression and anxiety (Mullet et al. 2005; Orth et al. 2008; Yoshimura 2007)” (Barcaccia et al, 2020). Essentially, the desire to hold the offense against someone and/or take revenge, has a maladaptive effect on emotions – less peace.
            Because forgiveness is the release of that debt, it implies nothing is owed. Vengeance is therefore unnecessary (or at least undesirable). From this we can conclude that forgiveness has a more peaceful effect on emotions than vengeance. Vengeance causes unrest and a lack of peace.
             Sometimes people think they will be more peaceful after a vengeful act, but as scripture shows, this is not true. Barcaccia et al’s research found the same: “Research on revenge has evidenced its role in emotional maladjustment (Barcaccia et al. 2017; Barcaccia et al. 2018b; Carlsmith et al.; McCullough et al. 2001; Ysseldyk et al. 2007), showing that avengers delude themselves into thinking that they will feel better when they have acted, but end up feeling emotionally worse than before” (2020).
            “Our mediational models showed that participants who are more vengeful are also more likely to be anxious and depressed… individuals who tend to be resentful and take revenge are so engrossed by the past that have little energy left to invest into the future, thus leaving them in the pain of resentful and depressive ruminations. Avengers are also more prone to anxiety, because they might continue to worry about the possible negative consequences of their retaliations and tend to think over and over about what happened and what might still happen, ending up in the vicious cycle of anxiety. Our study contributes to confirm that that revenge, far from being sweet, is actually sour” (Barcaccia et al, 2020).
            In addition to depression and anxiety, other researchers have found that “Frequent and intense thoughts of revenge…can hinder the healing process” (Gäbler and Maercker, 2011). Disrupting one’s peace has a negative effect on healing as well, which is essential for one to move on from a problem past. Someone who is “healed” would be considered “whole,” and wholeness is a strong indicator of peace.
            On the contrary, “…forgiveness interventions can bring about positive affective, cognitive and behavioural [sic] changes capable of improving individuals’ well-being and psycho-physical health (Akhtar and Barlow 2018; Freedman and Zarifkar 2016; Macaskill 2005; Menahem and Love 2013; Reed and Enright 2006)” (Barcaccia, 2020). “Results [from research on the effect forgiveness has on self-esteem and well-being] revealed that self-esteem, interpersonal forgiveness and self-forgiveness were all significantly correlated with subjective well-being” (Psychology, 2017).

The Bible Claims/Implies that Forgiveness Distances/Disconnects the Forgiver from the Sin/Offense of the Trespasser/Offender
            God’s forgiveness eliminates punishment, and separates a person from their sin. This implies that until there is forgiveness, one is close to their sin. Also, receiving God’s forgiveness is akin to forgiving oneself. One must be convinced that forgiveness is possible for them to receive (by God, through Jesus).
            Scripture claims (or implies) that once forgiveness has occurred, the forgiver is completely distanced from the offense (the thing for which they were forgiven). This can apply in a few ways, but the two most common are firstly, when a person forgives another for what they have done. It is implied that they are disconnected and the tie that bound them to the problems of that sin/offense are cut. Another way to explain this is if they were “defined” by that sin (ex. a father left a girl and now she has “daddy issues”), but once forgiven, the identity the person had in relation to that sin is no longer an issue (ex. girl forgives father, then she no longer has the same needs that proceeded out of a place of lack in her life).
            A second way this can apply is one is receiving forgiveness (or forgiving oneself) for what they, themselves have done. In this case, there is a personal feeling of release, as the implication is that once forgiveness has taken place for them, they are no longer connected to their offense. They are released (disconnected) from their debt and are free (figuratively) to live as if they have never trespassed. Psalm 32:1 says, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” (NLT) And in Psalm 103:10-14 we see:
He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence him. For he knows we are but dust. (The Living Bible)
      1 John 1:8-10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (NKJV). Cleansing from all unrighteousness implies washing one completely free from the consequences of sin, and comes after we receive forgiveness (like a separation from sin).
            Forgiveness releases the hold someone has on you, your life, your mind, and emotions. They can no longer control you (even from afar). It gives you power back (so you can use it where your purpose lies – giving it to God, and/or using your energy for the service of others). When you choose to forgive, you are saying, “I am choosing to no longer be hurting, angry, or bitter about something I can’t control. What I can control is my reaction and I have decided to disconnect from you and release the hold that you have on me, my emotions, and my life!” When forgiveness is given, it is for the forgiver, not the one in need of forgiveness. It also begins the process of wholeness (peace).

​Does Psychology Research agree with the Bible that Forgiveness Distances the Forgiver from the Offense?
            We saw in the section (on peace) “…individuals who tend to be resentful and take revenge are so engrossed by the past that have little energy left to invest into the future, thus leaving them in the pain of resentful and depressive ruminations. Avengers are also more prone to anxiety, because they might continue to worry about the possible negative consequences of their retaliations and tend to think over and over about what happened and what might still happen, ending up in the vicious cycle of anxiety. Our study contributes to confirm that that revenge, far from being sweet, is actually sour” (Barcaccia et al, 2020). Also, “Frequent and intense thoughts of revenge…can hinder the healing process (Gäbler and Maercker 2011).” These terms, “engrossed,” “continue to worry,” “think over and over,” and “frequent and intense thoughts” demonstrate a deep connection to the trespass. However,

The Bible Claims/Implies that Forgiveness Causes Better Health
            Psalm 32:3-5a says, “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt” (NLT), and is an excellent example of the claim that releasing all people and ourselves of the debt of trespasses is good for our physical health. Some other scriptures that demonstrate this concept are: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, NKJV), and “Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts” (Proverbs 31:6, NKJV). A heavy heart needs wine, but a joyful heart is like medicine. As we see above, the forgiving heart of a peaceful person contributes to this joy. It could be argued that one cannot have true joy until they have true peace, which is not possible if one is holding trespasses against others.            
            Proverbs also says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy (“passion” in another translation) is rottenness to the bones” (14:30, NKJV) and “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones” (Proverbs 15:30). Peace in the mind is good for physical health. Not having this same peace “rots the bones” (implies physical ailment). Envy is a form of offense. It says, “I am angry with/about you because you have what I want.” Forgiveness (releasing that person of the perceived debt) of that person would eliminate said envy. Therefore, “unforgiveness” is causing this problem and can have negative physical effects. One story of a healing Jesus performed speaks loudly concerning this implication:
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
(Mark 2:5-12, NKJV)
            The paralytic came to Jesus for healing. Historically, Jesus always healed every person who came to Him for healing, so we know, by history and experience, that Jesus was going to heal him. Jesus told the Pharisees that He only said to the paralytic to arise and take up his bed so they would know He has power on earth to forgive sins. By this we know that He did not originally intend to say that. The “healing” part of the speech was not necessary for the healing act. Thus, Jesus was going to heal the paralytic of his physical ailment, simply by forgiving him. Both receiving and extending forgiveness brings good physical health, even healing.
            A collective statement about this would be from 3 John 2: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (NKJV). If a soul is prospering, it can be argued that the owner of said soul is walking in forgiveness. Forgiveness contributes to a prospering soul, which contributes to prospering in the area of “health.”

Does Psychology Research agree with the Bible that Forgiveness Causes Better Health? 
            Barcaccia et al’s research shows that “…forgiveness interventions can bring about positive affective, cognitive and behavioural [sic] changes capable of improving individuals’ well-being and psycho-physical health (Akhtar and Barlow 2018; Freedman and Zarifkar 2016; Macaskill 2005; Menahem and Love 2013; Reed and Enright 2006)” (2020). This one sentence alone, demonstrates the point that forgiveness affects physical health positively, however other researchers have found the same.
            Both P.E. Brown, and K.A. Lawler found that there were health issues that were relieved as a result of forgiveness. In a 2009 article titled, Forgiveness therapy: A qualitative study of the forgiveness experience of people who have undergone forgiveness as a counseling intervention, P.E. Brown found in their study that “…all participants were motivated in some way to let go of unforgiveness and find freedom from the stress caused by the transgression, and all participants experienced an energy exchange as they tried to navigate a path fraught with obstacles to forgiveness. Participants reported struggling, for example, with anger, rumination, and, in some cases, adverse health responses…” Many subjects in this study “reported that going through the forgiveness process relieved them of various physical ailments. A powerful connection among unforgiveness, forgiveness, stress, coping, and physical health emerged from the findings” (Brown, 2009).
            Lawler et al, in 2005 studied The Unique Effects of Forgiveness on Health, in which “Four measures of forgiveness were all statistically associated with five measures of health (physical symptoms, medications used, sleep quality, fatigue, and somatic complaints).” The “mechanisms or pathways by which forgiveness could lead to fewer physical symptoms were examined: spirituality, social skills, reduction in negative affect, and reduction in stress. All factors either partially or fully mediated the effect of forgiveness on health” (Lawler et al, 2005). There was a “laboratory interview about a time of hurt or betrayal. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded during a 10 min baseline, the interview and during a recovery period” (Lawler et al, 2005).
            What Brown and Lawler could easily agree on is that “…unforgiveness is stressful…” (Brown, 2009) mentally, emotionally, and physically. All the measures of forgiveness in Lawler et al’s study were “statistically associated with five measures of health (physical symptoms, medications used, sleep quality, fatigue, and somatic complaints)” (2005). In addition, Brown found that “Forgiveness interventions have reduced anger, bitterness, depression, dysfunction, stress, and heart disease (Strelan & Covic, 2006)” (2009). Thus, showing the positive effects forgiveness has on one’s health.
            Forgiveness is associated not only with physical health, but also with being well-adjusted, which has an effect on physical health, through hormone and chemical balances, and more. Revenge has the opposite effect in these areas. In Barcaccia et al’s study, “…participants with higher vengeful behaviours [sic] are more likely to feel Negative Affect and report depressive and anxious symptoms, compared to participants with lower revenge scores. As expected, the relationships among Negative Affect and depressive and anxious symptomatology are all very high…Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing vengeful feelings and ruminations, could be an effective resource for well-being in clinical settings” (2020). They found that “…if a person harbours [sic] a grudge and is unforgiving, the corresponding depressive ruminations may contribute to cardiovascular disease (da Silva et al. 2017)” (2020).             
            In the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Toussaint et al, performed a study concerning the “forgiveness of God” and connected conditional and unconditional forgiveness to higher and lower risks of mortality. This study “examined multiple types of forgiveness as predictors of mortality and potential psychosocial, spiritual, and health mechanisms of the effects of forgiveness on longevity.” It showed that, for participants, “God's unconditional forgiveness and conditional forgiveness of others initially emerged as statistically significant predictors of mortality risk” (2012). Refusing to forgive could prove to eventually be deadly.

The Bible Claims/Implies that “Unforgiveness” Causes Anger and Potential Vengeance, Misconduct and Legal Issues, Possible Imprisonment, Ultimately Causing the “Victim” to Have a Debt to Society (Thus Needing Forgiveness, so it is Cyclical)
You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5:21-26, NKJV)
            Anger, or even an “unforgiven” debt can turn to wicked (or illegal) behavior, changing one’s life for the worst. The verse above speaks of murder in the heart as a type of manifestation of anger (unforgiveness), and demonstrates that forgiveness and/or reconciliation with those who have wronged them is the answer to keeping oneself on the right track, doing the right things, avoiding even legal judgment (and ultimately, possible imprisonment).
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21, NKJV)
            One does not need to seek vengeance. If their faith is in God, they can trust Him to bring justice. This is good for the victim because the desire for vengeance is unhealthy and proves to have a negative effect on mental, emotional, and even physical health. This is often referred to as “rumination” in psychological circles. The desire for vengeance, as demonstrated in the Bible, ultimately results in the manifestation of vengeance, if “left unchecked” (or not forgiven). This “manifestation” is where illegal activity can happen, thus causing the avenger to owe a new debt to society.

​Does Psychology Research agree with the Bible that Unforgiveness Causes a Destructive, Violent Cycle?
            “Avengers delude themselves into thinking that they will feel better when they have acted” (Barcaccia et al, 2020). Victims who want revenge believe “Revenge is… a way to take control over the offender and making [sic] them suffer.” “In the victim’s perspective, it can set the record straight by bridging the imbalance of suffering between offender and victim and by re-establishing a sense of self-worth (Frijda 1994)” (Barcaccia et al, 2020).
            Unfortunately, Barcaccia et al’s research also agrees that these ruminations do result in a physical manifestation of one’s thoughts. “Indeed, individuals who are more revengeful may carry out either aggressive behaviours [sic] toward the transgressor, or resort to avoidance and isolation, following the perception of an interpersonal offence” (2020). If it must be carried out, hopefully, it would manifest in avoidance or isolation as opposed to aggressive behaviors, however, the more desirable action to take would always be forgiveness.
            Ultimately, if people do not behave in the loving way we are instructed to, in the Bible (see next section on selflessness), they can become violent, bringing judgment upon themselves as we saw above in Matthew 5:21-26. Then the cycle of now needing a new debt released is also shown in research: “…in most cases avenging exposes individuals to the risk of being involved in an incessant spiral of aggressions and subsequent retaliations: one of the bitter costs of vengeance is precisely to become the object of countervengeance (Schumann and Ross 2010)” (Barcaccia et al, 2020).

The Bible Claims/Implies that Continual Forgiveness Causes People to be Walking in Love with Others as Lifestyle, Stronger, More Selfless, and thereby Abler to Help Others  
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians. 13:4-7, NKJV)
            The verse above shows that if forgiveness is an act of true love and people who are in continuous forgiving posture are continually walking in love, the conclusion is that those who forgive are more patient, kind, humble, considerate (good manners), selfless, slow to anger, pure in thought, and supportive. They also are not glad when others suffer (even when they deserve it), and they are able to sustain/withstand more problems and pressure, with grace/strength.
            Also, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9, NKJV). A true friend contributes to the well-being of their friends. If dwelling on a fault separates friends (by strife, division and contention), then conversely, forgiving the fault would bring them closer together, arguably causing more help and selflessness between them.

Does Psychology Research agree with the Bible that Forgiveness Causes People to be More Selfless and More of a Benefit to Society?
            As was shown above, “individuals who are more revengeful may carry out either aggressive behaviours [sic] toward the transgressor, or resort to avoidance and isolation, following the perception of an interpersonal offence” (Barcaccia et al, 2020). The opposite must also be true: Individuals who are more forgiving would be less aggressive, and more positively connected to those around them.
            Also, from Brown’s research, we saw that forgiveness reduces “anger, bitterness, depression, dysfunction, [and] stress…and are effective in…increasing…hope and self-esteem (Wade & Goldman, 2006)” (2009). And “People with higher self-esteem are better equipped to help/benefit others. One good reason for this is that with higher self-esteem, they know they have greater value to society, and are, in turn, able to help and benefit others.
            B. Kazoun, who did A multiple case study on the process of forgiveness, found that forgiveness contributes “to better overall physical and emotional wellbeing. Individuals who have suffered a transgression can remain in a place of destructive anger and resentment for years. Long-term, these negative states can have deleterious effects emotionally, physically, and socially” (2018). We have seen the physical/health and emotional (peace) benefits, but there are social benefits as well. People who are thriving socially are arguably a benefit to society. Caring about and taking action to show love, care and concern for others.
            Overall, those with higher levels of self-esteem, satisfaction, hope, and positivity are able to be a greater benefit to society, and as has been conclusively shown, those who forgive have higher levels of all of these traits. Therefore, forgiveness (or having a forgiving approach to life) allows people to be more selfless and a greater benefit to their circle of influence and society as a whole.

Conclusion
            Colossians 3:13 says, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (NKJV). The Bible asks us to forgive like Jesus forgave. Jesus forgave His killers while they were in the actual act of killing Him. He also came to this earth with the sole purpose of forgiving humanity of even the most heinous crimes. If we are to forgive like Him, then we can literally forgive anything. Does forgiveness mean to restore relationship with our trespassers? No, it does not. But it does mean to release them of the hold they have on one’s life – To say, “I will no longer let what you did (to me) define me.”
            Research in psychology agrees with Jesus’ command to forgive for the same reasons the Bible gives us for forgiveness. The positive consequences are health, happiness, selflessness, peace, and freedom. After research in this area, the claims and implications concerning forgiveness found in the Bible not only agree with modern psychology, but they are essentially undeniable.
            Unfortunately, there is a discrepancy between the forgiveness found in the Bible and forgiveness found in actual Christians. Some people choose to hate in the name of Christianity, condemning those who do not adhere strictly to what they consider “Christian rules.” However, the Bible does not explicitly require “believers” to adhere to any rules in order to be a Christian. Jesus had one new command, and we see it in John 13 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (v. 34, NKJV). Sadly, many who call themselves “Christian” do not follow His one command, but as a great modern Apologist, Doctor Frank Turek said, “We shouldn't judge a religion by its abuse, but by its truths” (Turek, 2020). Those who claim Christianity but do not follow its most important truth (to love) is an abuser of the title and arguably not a real Christian.
            The word “Christian” in the original Greek means “follower of Christ” (Biblehub.com), and Jesus followed up His prior statement commanding his followers to love with this: “By this [loving one another as I have loved you] all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, NKJV). Love is the identifier for a follower of Christ. Without this love, no one should think or know one is a Christian.
            Concerning the judgmental nature of some Christians, the Bible has this to say: “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give [judgement, condemnation or forgiveness], and it [judgement, condemnation or forgiveness] will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use [of judgement, condemnation and forgiveness], it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37-38, NKJV). We reap what we sow; Hopefully Christians are sowing love and forgiveness as opposed to judgement and condemnation.
            The verse in Luke, above, is immediately preceded by an excellent example of the love and forgiveness that Christians are to display: “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back [immediately releasing others of their debts owed to you]. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36, NKJV). This sums up the biblical claims on forgiveness. Lending without expecting repayment is release/forgiveness of debt. Being kind to the ungrateful and wicked includes forgiving them for being ungrateful and wicked, and then being merciful, which requires forgiveness, makes one like God, thereby making them “children of the Most High." Being children of God implies the same attributes as God, freedom, power, and love, which one has if they live a lifestyle of forgiveness (and implied love). This mercy implies “compassion or forbearance [forgiveness] shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power” (Merriam-Webster, 1989). This behavior and lifestyle of forgiveness brings reward to a person. It makes those who forgive, children of God (offspring – behaving like their parent), and the reward comes in the form of a blessed, joyful, and peaceful life, full of healthier relationships, and a healthier mind and body.
 

 

----------------------
Sources
Affinito, M. G. (2002). Forgiveness in counseling: Caution, definition, and application. In S. Lamb & J.G. Murphy (Eds.), Before forgiving: Cautionary views of forgiveness in    psychotherapy (pp. 88-111). New York: Oxford University Press.
Barcaccia, B., Salvati, M., Pallini, S. et al. The bitter taste of revenge: Negative affect,          depression and anxiety. Curr Psychol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00643-  1
Browne, P. E. (2009). Forgiveness therapy: A qualitative study of the forgiveness experience of       people who have undergone forgiveness as a counseling intervention (Order No.             3352392). Available from ProQuest Central. (305160223). Retrieved from             https://fir.tesu.edu:2128/docview/305160223?accountid=40921
Carlsmith, K. M., Wilson, T. D., & Gilbert, D. T. (2008). The paradoxical consequences of revenge. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(6), 1316-1324.           doi:10.1037/a0012165
Christianos. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://biblehub.com/greek/5546.htm
Forgiveness Definition: What Is Forgiveness. (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2020, from             https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness/definition
Holy Bible: New Living Translation. (2015). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
Kazoun, B. (2018). Individual growth through forgiveness: A multiple case study on the process       of forgiveness (Order No. 10839403). Available from ProQuest Central. (2078988278).     Retrieved from https://fir.tesu.edu:2128/docview/2078988278?accountid=40921
Lawler, K. A., Younger, J. W., Piferi, R. L., Jobe, R. L., Edmondson, K. A., & Jones, W. H.      (2005). The unique effects of forgiveness on health: An exploration of pathways. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(2), 157-67. doi: http://fir.tesu.edu:2074/10.1007/s10865-005-     3665-2
Mercy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercy
Morton, K. R., Tanzini, L., & Lee, J. W. (2019). Adult life satisfaction and the role of             forgiveness after childhood sexual abuse: Evidence from a Seventh‐day Adventist        cohort. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 58(1), 138-152.             doi:http://fir.tesu.edu:2074/10.1111/jssr.12575
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://biblehub.com/lexicon/
Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. The holy bible: King James version. (2014).
Psychology; investigators from anyang normal university report new data on psychology             (mediator roles of interpersonal forgiveness and self-forgiveness between self-esteem and      subjective well-being). (2017, Sep 18). Mental Health Weekly Digest Retrieved from             https://fir.tesu.edu:2128/docview/1938603726?accountid=40921
Strelan, P. (2010). What forgiveness does vs what forgiveness is: A psychological challenge to     traditional conceptualizations of forgiveness. Lutheran Theological Journal, 44(2), 97-         103. Retrieved from https://fir.tesu.edu:2128/docview/747781866?accountid=40921
The New Merriam-Webster dictionary. (1989). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
Thomas Nelson Inc. (1979). The New King James Bible.
Toussaint, L. L., Owen, A. D., & Cheadle, A. (2012). Forgive to live: Forgiveness, health, and         longevity. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 35(4), 375-86.             doi:http://fir.tesu.edu:2074/10.1007/s10865-011-9362-4
Turek, F. (2020). Stealing from God. Online Christian Courses. https://crossexamined.org/