Do Christians Always Have to Forgive?

Watch On

Christian VirtuesCommunity

Do Christians Always Have to Forgive?

14 min

Watch On

Christian VirtuesCommunity

Do Christians Always Have to Forgive?

14 min

"If the all-holy God could forgive us, we who have so often violated his righteous commandments, and by our sins have shown contempt for his kindness and mercy, if this God could show you mercy, not repaying you according to your sins but offering you life, mercy, forgiveness in Jesus his son, then who are you, who are we, to withhold forgiveness as mortal men and women?"
-Pastor Adriel Sanchez

Should you forgive someone who hasn’t repented? Does forgiveness mean reconciling with an abuser? Pastor Adriel Sanchez unpacks the hard truths about forgiveness—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it doesn’t always mean reconciliation. Learn how Christians can navigate the tension between grace and wisdom, and when restoration is (and isn’t) the right path.

Adriel Sanchez is pastor of North Park Presbyterian Church, a congregation in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he also serves the broader church as a host on the Core Christianity radio program, a live, daily call-in talk show where he answers listeners' questions about the Bible and the Christian faith. He and his wife Ysabel live in San Diego with their five children.

More from Christian Virtues

Explore All

Join thousands, reach millions

Be a theological lifeline for Christians through your monthly gift.

Give Monthly