How can we forgive them for their transgressions?

When someone believes in a perfect Bible, KJV only, and verbal plenary preservation, how can we forgive them for their transgressions?

This question touches on a genuine pastoral tension: how do you extend forgiveness to those whose theological convictions—about Bible translation, textual preservation, or biblical inerrancy—have become sources of conflict and division?

The biblical foundation for forgiveness transcends the specific content of disputes. When Peter asked how many times to forgive, Jesus responded not with a limit but with “seventy-seven times,” (Matt 18:21–22) signaling that forgiveness operates on a different logic than keeping score. Believers are called to forgive one another just as Christ forgave them, (Eph 4:32) and withholding forgiveness has serious spiritual consequences—God’s forgiveness of us depends on our willingness to forgive others. (Matt 6:14–15)

The key insight is that disagreement itself—even passionate disagreement about textual matters—need not prevent reconciliation. Paul instructed the church to accept those with differing convictions without quarreling, noting that those holding different views should neither despise nor judge one another, since God has accepted both. (Rom 14:1–13) This principle applies equally to disagreements about Bible versions and preservation theories.

However, forgiveness requires more than passive tolerance. Genuine forgiveness involves confrontation where wrongs are identified, and conflict avoidance in the name of “love and peace” actually undermines authentic unity.[1] If someone sins against you, rebuke them; if they repent, forgive them—even repeatedly. (Luke 17:3–4) The goal is restoration, not capitulation to their position.

The deeper challenge is this: Forgiving others multiplies the forgiveness we ourselves have received; once we recognize our own need for God’s mercy, we become more capable of extending mercy to others.[2] Those holding KJV-only or verbal plenary preservation views are themselves sinners in need of grace. Love keeps no record of wrongs, (1 Cor 13:4–7) which means releasing the offense even when theological differences persist.

Forgiveness doesn’t require you to adopt their interpretive framework—it requires releasing bitterness and remaining open to reconciliation.

[1] David A. Höhne, The Last Things, ed. Gerald Bray, Contours of Christian Theology (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2019), 221.
[2] James Wilhoit, Spiritual Formation as If the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community (Baker Academic, 2008), 200.