What requires forgiveness? Willful sins surely require us to forgive (Mt 6:14, AB). This would also be true of another’s notable failures in their duty to us – even when they are not done willfully (Mt 6:12, Barclay). Another’s shortcomings, which lead to persistent failure in duty, may need to be forgiven (Mt 6:12, Weymouth). Forgiveness is not for petty matters. We should be big enough to let love cover small failings or even modest offenses if they are not done willfully or frequently. Neither do we need to forgive someone who has not done what we wanted as opposed to failing in a genuine duty they owe us. Just because we want or expect something does not mean we are owed it.
What does it mean to forgive? Since forgiving is contrasted with punishing in Jonah 4:2 (NCV), forgiving means we don’t engage in any kind of punishing behaviors toward the individual we forgive. It means we pardon them (Lk 6:37, NASB) and make allowances for them (Lk 6:37, Phillips). We give up our resentment toward them (Mt 6:14, AB) and deal generously with them (Eph 4:32, TNT). In short, we treat the individual as we would want to be treated (Philemon 22, LAB note). We genuinely desire their well-being (Mt 18:21-25, DSB note). This must be done habitually (Lk 6:38, Williams).
What are the results of forgiving others? We display the kind of love that shows we have been forgiven (Lk 7:47, GW) and will, thus, be free of God’s condemnation (Mt 6:14, Rotherham; Mt 18:35). Having been willing to make allowances for others, we receive more allowance from others (Lk 6:37, Phillips); having made others free, we, too, will be made free (Lk 6:37, BB). By forgiving another, we do something beautiful (Prov 19:11, Beck). Finally, forgiving others is the path to our own happiness (Mt 5:7, CW).
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.