“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Understanding Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not merely a thought; it is a profound act of grace we extend to those who hurt us, including liars. As followers of Christ, we are called to practice forgiveness, reflecting the love God shows us every day. It’s easy to hold onto resentment, especially when we’ve been deceived. But when we take a step back, we see that forgiveness is liberating. It allows us to let go of bitterness and reclaim our peace. When we forgive liars, we are expressing our faith in God’s higher purpose, trusting that He can heal the wounds inflicted upon us. The act of forgiving is not about the other person but rather about our health and relationship with God.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times!'” – Matthew 18:21-22
The Call to Forgive
As Christians, we find ourselves answering a divine call to forgive, even when those around us tell untruths. This calling isn’t about dismissing wrongdoing; instead, it is about restoring our hearts to a state of grace. Our capacity to forgive flows from recognizing how much we ourselves have been forgiven by God. It can be challenging at times, especially when wounds feel fresh, but it truly enlightens our spirit when we choose forgiveness over resentment. It’s a blessing we give ourselves as much as to others. It may help to remember that forgiving a liar allows us to break the chains of anger and hurt that can bind us.
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – Luke 17:3-4
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Isaiah 1:18
“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'” – Isaiah 1:18
The Impact of Not Forgiving
Choosing not to forgive can be detrimental to our spirit. By holding on to the pain caused by liars, we risk closing our hearts to God’s love and growth in our lives. Dwelling in past hurts keeps us tied to anger and bitterness, blinding us from seeing the blessings still present in our lives. As we lean on God’s word, we realize that the act of forgiveness can release us from our own burdens and grant us a renewed sense of peace. Not forgiving ultimately harms our relationship with God, as He asks us to forgive as we have been forgiven, making it essential for our spiritual health.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven, if there was anything to forgive, I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us.” – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Hebrews 12:15
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
James 1:20
“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:20
Forgiving Oneself After Being Lied To
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. We may struggle with feelings of foolishness or anger at ourselves for being misled. But we must remember that God loves us deeply and unconditionally. It’s essential to release ourselves from those self-condemnations and recognize that everyone makes mistakes. As we forgive ourselves, we create a fertile ground to grow in God’s grace. We can start to heal, allowing us to approach not only others but also our own shortcomings with kindness and compassion.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” – Isaiah 43:25
Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalms 51:10
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” – Philippians 3:13-14
The Role of Prayer in Forgiveness
Engaging in prayer is a powerful way for us to align our hearts with God’s will, especially regarding forgiveness. Prayer helps us process our feelings and seek God’s strength to forgive those who have lied to us. When we pray for those who have hurt us, we invite love and grace into our hearts, making forgiveness easier. Through prayer, we are reminded of God’s mercy towards us, which inspires us to extend that same grace to others. Even in moments when it feels impossible to forgive, prayer can start to shift our perspective, allowing healing to take root.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Final Thoughts
Forgiving liars is an essential part of our Christian journey. We learn to embrace forgiveness through understanding and prayer, allowing God’s grace to heal our hearts. No matter how deep the hurt, we can choose to forgive, reflecting God’s love to ourselves and others.
We must remember that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, freeing us from bitterness and anger. It helps us nurture compassion and kindness, not only for others but also for ourselves. Regardless of the pain caused by deceit, we are called to forgive, just as God forgives us. So, let us lean into His grace and cultivate forgiveness in our hearts as an ongoing practice.
As we grow in this aspect of our faith, let us also explore other related topics. Consider reading about liars and cheaters or lies and deception for further insights.