14 Encouraging Bible Verses About Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a crucial element of the Christian faith, and the Bible has many powerful verses on the topic. When we forgive others, we are imitating Christ’s sacrificial love and mercy toward us. In this blog post, we will explore 14 Bible verses about forgiveness, along with their meanings and significance.

Did you know that you can poison your life by holding onto bitterness and offense? Click here to read our message: Do not poison your life. You can be free!

We’ve also included a short prayer at the end of the post!

1. Matthew 6:14-15

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our lives. We cannot expect to receive forgiveness from God if we are unwilling to forgive others. Holding onto unforgiveness not only harms our relationships with others but also blocks our own access to God’s forgiveness.

2. Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

As Christians, we are called to bear with one another and forgive each other, just as God forgave us through Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for healthy relationships with others. We are called to forgive others just as the Lord has forgiven us, without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

3. Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

God’s forgiveness should inspire us to show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others.

4. Luke 6:37

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

This verse reminds us that forgiveness is a choice we make, just as choosing not to judge or condemn others is a choice. Let’s choose to forgive others!

5. Mark 11:25

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Our prayers to God are hindered when we hold onto unforgiveness towards others. By forgiving those who have wronged us, we open ourselves up to receive God’s forgiveness and blessings.

6. Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

We should be willing to forgive others, even if they repeatedly hurt us. This is a reflection of God’s unlimited mercy and grace towards us.

7. Psalm 103:10-12

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

God’s forgiveness is characterized by his love and mercy towards us, and his willingness to remove our sins as far as the East is from the West. When we are forgiven, our sins are completely removed from us, and we are made clean in His sight.

8. Romans 12:17-19

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Forgiveness means choosing not to seek revenge but trusting in God to judge and bring justice in due time.

9. 1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

God’s forgiveness is available to us if we confess our sins and repent.

10. Luke 23:34

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”

Jesus even forgave those who brutally crucified him. What love and grace!

11. Ephesians 1:7-8

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.”

Through Jesus, we have been redeemed and forgiven of our sins by His sacrifice on the cross. This forgiveness is not earned, but given to us freely out of God’s grace and love for us.

If you’re ready to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.

12. Luke 6:27-28

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Forgiveness is not just about letting go of past wrongs, but actively seeking the good of those who have hurt us. Jesus calls us to love even our enemies and to pray for those who mistreat us.

13. Hebrews 8:12

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

When we confess our sins and ask for God’s forgiveness, He not only forgives us but also chooses to forget our past mistakes. This is a beautiful demonstration of God’s love and grace towards us.

14. Acts 3:19

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Forgiveness is available to all who turn to God in repentance. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, we are cleansed and refreshed by His love and mercy.

Short Prayer

Dear God, please help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. May we be filled with your love and compassion, and may we extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Help us to release any bitterness or resentment in our hearts and to choose forgiveness and love instead. Amen.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, and these Bible verses about forgiveness remind us of its importance. When we forgive others, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and resentment, and we open ourselves up to healing and reconciliation. Through the power of Christ’s sacrifice, we can find the strength to forgive even the most difficult offenses. May these verses inspire and encourage you to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt you, and to experience the peace and freedom that comes from living a life of forgiveness.