As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive others just as God forgives us. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it is a command that frees us from bitterness and leads us toward healing and restoration. In this reflection, we’ll explore what the Bible says about forgiving and forgetting, with verses that encourage us to let go of offenses and trust in God’s perfect justice and mercy. Each section focuses on a unique aspect of forgiveness, providing wisdom and inspiration from God’s Word.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Revenge and Forgiveness
God’s Forgiveness as Our Example
The foundation of our ability to forgive is rooted in the overwhelming forgiveness God has extended to us. The Bible consistently reminds us that we are forgiven not because of our works, but because of His grace. When we understand the depth of God’s mercy, we are empowered to extend that same mercy to others. These verses show how God’s forgiveness serves as the ultimate example for us to follow.
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
Psalm 103:12
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”
Micah 7:18
“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.”
The Command to Forgive
Forgiveness is not optional for the believer—it’s a command. Jesus makes it clear in His teachings that we must forgive others, just as our Heavenly Father forgives us. Obedience to this command brings spiritual freedom and reflects God’s nature to the world around us. These verses reinforce the importance and seriousness of God’s instruction to forgive.
Matthew 6:14
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Matthew 18:35
“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
Proverbs 19:11
“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.”
Forgiving Ourselves
Often, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. But God’s forgiveness is complete, and He doesn’t hold our past against us. When we embrace His mercy, we must also learn to let go of guilt and walk in the freedom Christ provides. These verses remind us of God’s grace and His desire for us to live in peace with ourselves.
Romans 8:1
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 43:25
“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”
Hebrews 8:12
“And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
Psalm 32:5
“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Forgiving Others Repeatedly
Forgiveness isn’t a one-time act, especially when someone continues to hurt us. Jesus taught that we are to forgive over and over again. This can be difficult, but God gives us the strength to do it through His Spirit. These verses show how God calls us to extend forgiveness as a lifestyle.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!'”
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.”
Romans 12:17-18
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
Letting Go of the Past
True forgiveness involves letting go. This doesn’t mean forgetting in the literal sense, but choosing not to dwell on past hurts. We are called to move forward in faith, trusting God with our healing. These scriptures encourage us to release what lies behind and press forward to the future God has for us.
Philippians 3:13-14
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?”
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
2 Corinthians 5:18
“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”
Ecclesiastes 3:6
“A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Forgiving Yourself
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness isn’t just for the person who hurt us—it’s for our own healing. Holding onto bitterness poisons our spirit, but releasing it brings freedom and restoration. God’s Word teaches that forgiving brings peace, health, and wholeness. These verses show how forgiveness is deeply connected to our emotional and spiritual healing.
Proverbs 17:9
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
James 5:16
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
Isaiah 57:18
“I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn.”
Trusting God with Justice
One reason we struggle to forgive is our desire for justice. But God’s justice is perfect. When we forgive, we are not excusing sin—we are entrusting it to the Lord. The Bible assures us that God sees all and will make things right in His time. These scriptures encourage us to release vengeance and place our trust in God’s righteous judgment.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
1 Peter 3:9
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
Psalm 37:7
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”
Deuteronomy 32:4
“He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!”
Walking in Love Through Forgiveness
At the heart of forgiveness is love—the kind of love that Christ showed when He laid down His life for us. Forgiveness is a powerful act of love that transforms relationships and demonstrates the heart of God to a hurting world. When we forgive, we are walking in step with Jesus, allowing His love to flow through us. These verses highlight how love and forgiveness are deeply intertwined.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Galatians 5:14
“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”