The Bible calls us to release bitterness and entrust justice to God, but forgiveness itself is a promise made to a repentant person that their sin will no longer be held against them. Jesus never taught His followers to forgive unrepentant people or to make forgiveness a psychological self-help strategy. Biblical forgiveness is a beautiful living parable of the Gospel.
Recommended Books:
Biblical Boundaries of Forgiveness: A Biblical and Ethical Study of Forgiveness as It Relates to Repentance, Reconciliation, and Justice by Vee Chandler
Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns
“Forgiving the Repentant: An Exegetical Case for Conditional Forgiveness in Matthew 18:15-35 and the Synoptic Gospels” by Matt Ferguson (Bethlehem College & Seminary Library 2025).
From Forgiven to Forgiving by Jay Adams
Forgiveness and Justice: A Christian Approach by Bryan Maier
The Limits of Forgiveness: Case Studies in the Distortion of a Biblical Ideal by Maria Mayo
Ancient Forgiveness: Classical, Judaic, and Christian by Charles L. Griswold & David Konstan
Forgiveness: A Theology by Anthony Bash
Interviews/videos:
When Forgiveness Isn’t Biblical - Teasi Cannon
When Forgiveness Isn’t Biblical - with Chris Brauns & Matt Ferguson
Biblical Forgiveness Isn’t What You’ve Been Told - interview with Alisa Childers