35 Bible Verses About Forgiveness
It hurts when people step on our toes, especially when they do it on purpose. At such moments, forgiveness seems a hundred miles away and sometimes even practically impossible. But if forgiveness were impossible in such situations, why would there be so many forgiveness Bible verses in the Scripture?
As we will discover in this article, forgiveness is not only taught in the Word of God. It was lived and practiced by our Lord Jesus and many other believers.
The Bible teaches forgiveness as the godly act of pardoning wrongs done to us. Unlike some think, forgiveness is not a feeling that comes to anyone by chance; it is a conscious decision we all have to make every day.
But the good news is that God hasn’t left us to this seemingly difficult task alone. The scriptures are full of powerful Bible verses on forgiveness to help through the journey.
These Bible verses are food to our souls. By feeding on them, we can draw strength and encouragement to walk in love towards people and forgive them of their wrongs against us.
When we live a life rich with forgiveness and love, we enjoy unprecedented peace, joy, and health. We are able to go about our daily activities with a clear mind, become more productive, and enjoy a fulfilling walk with the Lord, among many other benefits.
Get ready for a life-changing experience with the Word of God as we reflect on the following Spirit-inspired verses about forgiveness.
God’s Forgiveness Bible Verses
God is a merciful Father who is always ready to forgive. The more we understand and experience His forgiveness, the better we develop the habit of forgiving others. The following Bible verses on forgiveness remind us about God’s tender mercies and His willingness to pardon us when we repent:
“Come now, and let’s reason together,” says Yahweh: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) daily bread
“They will no longer each teach his neighbor, and every man teach his brother, saying, ‘Know Yahweh;’ for they will all know me, from their least to their greatest,” says Yahweh: “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34)
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Ephesians 1:7)
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25)
Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Bible Verses About Forgiving Others
When people hurt us, our human instinct often tells us to make them suffer the same hurt they’ve caused us. However, the Word of God has a different counsel. Here are some Bible verses on forgiveness that admonish us to forgive and walk in love with everyone.
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22)
Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)
Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him. (Luke 17:3-4)
If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free. (Luke 6:37)
The Benefits of Forgiveness
The Bible has a lot to say about the benefits of forgiveness. Below, we highlight some of the scriptures on forgiveness that talk about the blessings that come with pardoning people of their wrongs.
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NLT)
Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.This punishment which was inflicted by the many is sufficient for such a one; so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things. Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn’t impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1-2)
If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared. (Psalm 130:3-4)
Scriptures on How to Forgive
Forgiving people sometimes seems like the most difficult thing to do in the world, but it doesn’t have to be. The following forgiveness scriptures outline some biblical principles we can adopt to forgive people of their wrongs against us and heal from the hurt.
“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. (Mark 11:25)
Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.When he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.” (Matthew 18:22-27)
Quotes on Forgiveness
Beyond meditating on verses about forgiving others, surrounding yourself with uplifting quotes from others can also help develop a soft heart, always ready to forgive. Below are a few of such inspiring Christian quotes about forgiveness:
God’s forgiveness extends to the worst offenders and to anyone who wishes to receive it – not because of who we are, but because of who He is. – Charles Swindoll
Our Lord loves us so much that He is more than willing to forgive us and throw a “feast” for us when we repent and ask for his forgiveness. – Patrick Baldwin
The Bible reassures us that though our feelings are fleeting, God’s forgiveness is constant. If we confess our sins, he will forgive us. It’s a promise we can bank on. – Sarah M. Hupp
The love of Jesus Christ covers your sins, and it also gives you the power to let other people off the hook. You’ve been forgiven, and you can forgive others. – Rick Warren
Take your sins and failures to Jesus, accept his forgiveness, and get back on track. – Matt Eachus
When we blow it with people, the quickest path to forgiveness is humility. We must be willing to humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness of the person we’ve wronged. – Kendra Tillman
Forgiveness is absorbing the pain, emitting none in return, and trusting your healing to God. – Vicki Edwards
Forgiving other people who have wronged us or hurt us or embarrassed us is not easy. In fact, sometimes it seems impossible. But that is what God did for us and what He asks us to do for others. – Korie Robertson
If Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the cross, and if God forgives you and me, how can you withhold your forgiveness from someone else? – Anne Graham Lotz
In the presence of God, nothing stands between Him and us – we are forgiven. But we cannot feel His presence if anything is allowed to stand between ourselves and others. – Dag Hammarskjöld
Bible Verses for Love and Forgiveness
Love and forgiveness are inseparable. The more we love people, the easier we will find it to forgive them. These Bible scriptures on forgiveness instruct us to bear with one another in love.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
“Please pardon the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your loving kindness, and just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” Yahweh said, “I have pardoned according to your word.” (Numbers 14:19-20)
But when he came to himself, he said, “How many hired servants of my father have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger!I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.’” He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet.Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat, and celebrate;for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.” Then they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:17-24)
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more. (Hebrews 8:12)
Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)
Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. (Colossians 3:13)
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment. (Philippians 1:9)
Scriptures on Forgiveness and Healing
Healing from hurts is not always easy, especially when they come from people you love and trust. But you can find encouragement and strength to recover from these scripture verses about forgiving others and healing from hurts:
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. (James 5:16)
Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 NIV)
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful prayer for forgiveness?
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble and contrite heart today to seek forgiveness. I acknowledge my sins and repent of them. Please cleanse me with the blood of Jesus and help me to become a better person. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What did Jesus say about forgiveness?
In several verses about forgiveness in the Bible, Jesus taught that we must forgive others when they hurt us, regardless of how severe the offense is. (Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:4; Matthew 6:14-15)
What does the Bible say about forgiveness and letting go of the past?
Forgiving and letting go of the past are both instructed and practiced in God’s Word. The Bible reports several events where Jesus and the Apostles forgave and let go of the past hurts (Luke 23:34, Acts 7:59-60). As believers, we are called to aim for this level of perfection only by the grace given to us by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:48).
Does the Bible say to forgive and forget?
Although the phrase “forgive and forget” is not anywhere in the Bible, many parts of the Bible urge us to forgive and let go of hurts when people offend us. Our heavenly Father forgives and forgets (Hebrews 8:12). And as dearly beloved children, the Scripture urges us to imitate this example (Ephesians 5:1).
Practicing True Bible Forgiveness
God wants every one of us to walk in love. And a crucial part of our love walk is to forgive people when they hurt us.
As the Lord Jesus said in Luke 17:1, offenses will always come. We can’t run from them. We can’t even pray them away. But certainly, we can prepare our hearts to forgive before the need arises. And that is where the Bible verses for forgiveness come in.
When it comes to developing a loving heart and practicing true Bible forgiveness, Matthew 18:21-35 is one Bible verse for forgiveness that seems to stand out.
In that story, Jesus told Peter to forgive his neighbor seventy times seven (490 times). Definitely, the point here is not about keeping a record of people’s wrongs or refusing to forgive when they exceed the 490 times benchmark.
Rather, the Lord Jesus was teaching Peter to make enough room to forgive offenses as they happen, even if it is up to 490 times a day.
The greatest sacrifice of love borders on forgiveness. God gave up His Son to pay the ultimate price for our salvation and forgave all our sins.
Jesus had every moral right to curse His killers and withhold forgiveness from them. But He didn’t do any of that. While in pain on the cross, He prayed to the Father to forgive His murderers.
That is absolute love and total forgiveness.
Among many others, these instances show that God’s kind of forgiveness knows no bounds. And as Christians, we are encouraged to imbibe this life of forgiveness in our Father God.
Yes, we live in a world where hatred and revenge are considered hallmarks of manliness, but we must never embrace that mindset. Forgiveness is not a weakness – it is a strength.
If you find it challenging to forgive when people hurt you, know that God sees and identifies with your struggle. Cheer up – there’s help for you in God’s Word.
When you read the Bible, chapters about forgiveness will renew your mind. Reflect on them and mutter them with your mouth. It won’t take long before you begin to see God’s love gaining ascendancy over thoughts of hatred, unforgiveness, and revenge in your heart.
As you saturate your heart with love-rich forgiveness scriptures, you will find the strength to forgive wholeheartedly, let go of hurts, and heal completely.
