Description:Forgiveness is one of the most powerful—and most difficult—acts we are called to as followers of Jesus. This episode explores the deep biblical roots of forgiveness, revealing how unforgiveness poisons relationships, breeds bitterness, and separates us from God. From the Old Testament sacrificial system to Jesus' words on the cross, this episode walks through key Hebrew and Greek terms for forgiveness, theological insights, and real-life applications. You'll learn what true forgiveness looks like, why we all desperately need it, and how to both receive and extend it in your daily relationships. Whether you're holding a grudge or wondering if God could ever forgive you, this episode offers hope and healing.

What is forgiveness?
Let’s first look at a few words that are often translated “forgiveness” in the Bible.
כָּפַר
To appease, make atonement, forgive, be merciful. Literally a covering: (reminds us of the covering God gave Adam and Eve in the garden after they sinned)
This is the most common word in the OT that refers to forgiveness. We see it most often in relation to the sacrifices in the Temple. These sacrifices made a “covering” for sin. That is, they didn’t really atone for sin on the heart level but rather were a sign of the need for God to atone for sin. This word shows us that whenever there is sin something must be sacrificed in order to atone for it. Without atonement sin will become something worse. In some contexts this word speaks more directly of God himself miraculously atoning for our sins and purifying our hearts. 

Isaiah 6:7 NIV - 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

In this verse we see a beautiful picture of the prophet Isaiah. Here Isaiah is before the throne of God when he realizes his sin and guilt before God. As a picture of the forgiveness that only God can offer, the Seraphim comes to him with a burning coal and touches it to his lips. True atonement and forgiveness from God purifies us from the guilt of sin in our life.
Let me just say here that we all need this forgiveness from God. Isaiah wasn’t some sort of “evil criminal” yet when he was confronted with God’s holiness he was able to clearly see the defiling effects of sin in his life. He realized that he was guilty and had no right to stand before God. One of the reasons that people often don’t even think they need forgiveness is because they go on comparing themselves to other people who are, in their opinion, worse than themselves. When it comes to sin and righteousness there is only one with whom we should compare ourselves and that is the Almighty, All Holy, and All Righteous God. Look to Him and you will certainly feel your need for forgiveness and find a way to obtain that forgiveness. 
סָלַח
To forgive, pardon, or spare (Strongs)
This word is the most specific in its meaning. Primarily, we see this as something that God does towards us.

Isaiah 55:7 NIV - 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Here we can see that for forgiveness to happen in our hearts we also must participate. Isaiah instructs us “Let them turn to the LORD.” Without a turning to God there is no real forgiveness. God’s forgiveness requires that we turn to Him. Another word we use for this turning to God is “repentance.” Repentance describes a deep change in mind and heart when we recognize our guilt before God and humbly turn to him and ask for his forgiveness, believing that he can and will forgive us. 
How amazing it is to realize that God offers his forgiveness freely to those who seek it with a repentant heart. You don’t have to donate a certain amount of money to the church,