Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of letting go of resentment and extending grace to others. Throughout scripture, we find powerful verses that encourage us to forgive those who have wronged us, mirroring the unconditional forgiveness that God shows to each of us.
As you reflect on these verses, you will discover the transformative power of forgiveness and its ability to heal relationships and restore peace within our hearts.
By practicing forgiveness, we align ourselves with God’s will and cultivate a spirit of kindness and understanding, fostering a deeper connection with both God and our fellow human beings.
Bible Verses About Forgiving Others
Understanding Forgiveness in the Bible
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
More Related Verses:
“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:15
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
The Importance of Forgiving Others
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
More Related Verses:
“But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:15
“Forgiveness is a sign of true love and compassion.” – Colossians 3:13
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
Also read: 31 Bible Verses About Greed (with Related Verses)
Jesus’ Teachings on Forgiveness
“And forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34
More Related Verses:
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” – James 2:13
“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” – John 8:7
“So I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7
Biblical Examples of Forgiveness
“Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'” – Genesis 50:19-20
More Related Verses:
“David said to Saul, ‘May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.'” – 1 Samuel 24:12
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” – Psalm 103:8
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!'” – Luke 15:17
The Role of Forgiveness in Healing
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” – James 5:16
More Related Verses:
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
“Jesus said, ‘Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.'” – Luke 13:12
How to Forgive: Practical Steps
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
More Related Verses:
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” – Colossians 3:13
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8
“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
The Consequences of Unforgiveness
“And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.” – Matthew 18:34
More Related Verses:
“Woe to that person who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” – Matthew 26:24
“The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” – Proverbs 4:19
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
Forgiveness and Repentance
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” – Matthew 4:17
More Related Verses:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:3
“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” – 1 John 2:1
The Connection Between Forgiveness and Love
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
More Related Verses:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Forgiving as God Forgives Us
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
More Related Verses:
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” – Titus 3:5
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
Forgiveness in the Old Testament
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
More Related Verses:
“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” – Psalm 103:8
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’” – Matthew 18:32-33
More Related Verses:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” – Matthew 25:21
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:2
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” – 1 John 4:18
Forgiveness and Relationships
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
More Related Verses:
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Mark 10:9
Forgiveness in Times of Grief
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
More Related Verses:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
loving Your Enemies: A Call to Forgive
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
More Related Verses:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:14
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” – Proverbs 25:21
Forgiveness: A Path to Freedom
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
More Related Verses:
“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” – Exodus 15:2
“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” – John 8:31-32
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
The Power of Forgiveness
“We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” – Philippians 4:13
More Related Verses:
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Forgiving Yourself: A Biblical Perspective
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
More Related Verses:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22
Overcoming Betrayal through Forgiveness
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 30:17
More Related Verses:
“The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.” – Proverbs 14:10
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Forgiveness and Community
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
More Related Verses:
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Forgiveness in the New Testament
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
More Related Verses:
“Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
“To the one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.” – Luke 6:29
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” – Corrie Ten Boom
God’s Forgiveness: Our Model
“But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
More Related Verses:
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Forgiveness and Spiritual Growth
“Growth in grace is a gradual process.” – 2 Peter 3:18
More Related Verses:
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” – Proverbs 4:18
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
The Cost of Forgiveness
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” – Matthew 28:6
More Related Verses:
“You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.” – 1 Corinthians 7:23
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Daily Practice of Forgiveness
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
More Related Verses:
“As we forgive those who trespass against us.” – Matthew 6:12
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” – 2 Timothy 2:24
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
Final Thoughts
Forgiveness is a fundamental teaching in Christianity, reflecting the unconditional love and mercy God grants us. Learning to forgive others not only strengthens our relationship with God but also paves the way for our emotional and spiritual healing.
In practicing forgiveness, we release ourselves from the burdens of anger and resentment, opening our hearts to love and peace. By incorporating forgiveness into our daily lives, we create a harmonious environment that reflects the grace we’ve received. Remember, the act of forgiving is as much for our benefit as it is for others, allowing us to live a life filled with joy, compassion, and freedom from the shackles of past hurts.