The Transforming Power of Forgiveness
Christ did not emphasize a simple plea for forgiveness because true power lies in the act of forgiving itself, which liberates the soul and transforms a person. His example on the cross—when He, on the brink of death, pleaded with the Father to forgive His tormentors—demonstrates that forgiveness should not merely be a verbal request but an enacted deed that frees one from the burden of malicious feelings, grudges, and inner discord. This forgiveness, given to others, not only brings us closer to God's grace but also cleanses our hearts of resentment and malice, making us capable of accepting God's forgiveness.In practice, this means that before asking for forgiveness for our sins, we must first learn to forgive our hurts, even if the pain of the past is still deeply felt. This emphasizes the importance of inner transformation, where resentment is truly released and the opportunity is granted to live in a state of freedom and renewal. As noted in one source, forgiveness is not just a beautiful word but an act that gives life:"To forgive is to give life. Not forgiving you means I do not give you life. To forgive is to give freedom. I set you free." (source: link txt)It is also clearly stated that if a person is not willing to forgive, then God's forgiveness may become inaccessible to them:"The answer to this question is contained in the following explanatory words of Jesus Christ: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (source: link txt)Thus, Christ focused on the act of forgiveness because through it, inner transformation and liberation from negativity occur—an essential state of heart necessary for receiving God's grace. In practical terms, this means striving to live in a way that continually cleanses the heart of malice, learning to see grievances not as an enduring burden but as an opportunity for growth and inner healing. Only then does forgiveness become a living power that grants freedom and renewal both to oneself and to others.Supporting citation(s):"When our Lord Jesus Christ was dying on the Cross, even in His final suffering He strove to benefit humanity... And in His last breath, Christ forgave His blasphemers, tormentors, and murderers, asking His Heavenly Father to forgive them as well..." (source: link txt)"The answer to this question is contained in the following explanatory words of Jesus Christ: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (source: link txt)"To forgive is to give life. Not forgiving you means I do not give you life. To forgive is to give freedom. I set you free." (source: link txt)