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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Forgiveness as a Preventative Measure</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/forgiveness_as_a_preventative_measure.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/18-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/forgiveness.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Forgiveness as a Preventative Measure</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_as_a_path_to_worship.htm" title="Forgiveness as a Path to Worship">◄</a> Forgiveness as a Preventative Measure <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_as_a_priority.htm" title="Forgiveness as a Priority">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Forgiveness, a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is not only a response to wrongdoing but also serves as a preventative measure against the corrosive effects of sin and discord within the community of believers. The Bible provides numerous insights into how forgiveness can preemptively address issues that might otherwise lead to greater harm.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b><br><br>The concept of forgiveness as a preventative measure is deeply rooted in Scripture. In <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a>, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Jesus responds, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times" . This teaching underscores the importance of maintaining a forgiving spirit to prevent the accumulation of resentment and bitterness, which can lead to division and strife.<br><br><b>Preventing Bitterness and Resentment</b><br><br><a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15</a> warns believers to "see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many" . Forgiveness acts as a safeguard against bitterness, which can take root in the heart and spread, affecting not only the individual but the entire community. By choosing to forgive, believers can prevent the destructive cycle of anger and retaliation.<br><br><b>Promoting Unity and Peace</b><br><br>Forgiveness fosters unity and peace within the body of Christ. <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a> exhorts believers to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . By practicing forgiveness, Christians can maintain harmonious relationships, thereby preventing conflicts that could disrupt the unity of the church.<br><br><b>Encouraging Repentance and Reconciliation</b><br><br>Forgiveness can also encourage repentance and reconciliation. In <a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3-4</a>, Jesus instructs, "If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him" . This approach not only addresses the immediate offense but also opens the door for genuine repentance and restoration of relationships, preventing further alienation and discord.<br><br><b>Modeling Christ's Example</b><br><br>Christ's example of forgiveness serves as the ultimate preventative measure against sin. On the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (<a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a>). By embodying this spirit of forgiveness, believers can prevent the perpetuation of sin and hostility, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's love and grace.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Forgiveness, as taught in the Bible, is a powerful tool for preventing the escalation of sin and maintaining the health and unity of the Christian community. By embracing forgiveness, believers can thwart the destructive forces of bitterness, promote peace, and model the redemptive love of Christ.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness.htm">Forgiveness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_of_adultery.htm">Forgiveness of Adultery</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness_of_enemies.htm">Forgiveness of Enemies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--a_characteristic_of_saints.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: A Characteristic of Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--a_glory_to_saints.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: A Glory to Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--christ_set_an_example_of.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Christ Set an Example of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--commanded.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Commanded</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--david.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--illustrated.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Illustrated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--joseph.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Joseph</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--motives_to_christ's_forgiveness_of_us.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to Christ's Forgiveness of Us</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--motives_to_god's_forgiveness_of_us.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to God's Forgiveness of Us</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--motives_to_our_need_of_forgiveness.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to Our Need of Forgiveness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--motives_to_the_mercy_of_god.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to The Mercy of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--no_forgiveness_without.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: No Forgiveness Without</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--paul.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--promises_to.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Promises To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--should_be_accompanied_by_blessing_and_prayer.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Blessing and Prayer</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--should_be_accompanied_by_forbearance.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Forbearance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--should_be_accompanied_by_kindness.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Kindness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--solomon.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Solomon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--stephen.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: Stephen</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/f/forgiveness_of_injuries--to_be_unlimited.htm">Forgiveness of Injuries: To be Unlimited</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--david_forgives_saul.htm">Forgiveness: David Forgives Saul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--david_forgives_shimei.htm">Forgiveness: David Forgives Shimei</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--esau_forgives_jacob.htm">Forgiveness: Esau Forgives Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--jesus_forgives_his_enemies.htm">Forgiveness: Jesus Forgives his Enemies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--joseph_forgives_his_brothers.htm">Forgiveness: Joseph Forgives his Brothers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--moses_forgives_the_israelites.htm">Forgiveness: Moses Forgives the Israelites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--solomon_forgives_adonijah.htm">Forgiveness: Solomon Forgives Adonijah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/forgiveness--the_prophet_of_judah_forgives_jeroboam.htm">Forgiveness: The Prophet of Judah Forgives Jeroboam</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forgiving.htm">Forgiving (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forgives.htm">Forgives (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness.htm">Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a 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