Forgiveness is one of the core teachings of the Bible and a central part of Christian life. It’s something that we are all called to practice, not only because God forgives us, but also because it brings healing and freedom.
The Bible teaches that forgiveness isn’t just a one-time action; it’s a way of living that mirrors God’s infinite mercy towards us. A powerful verse that highlights this call to forgive is found in Luke 6:37: “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Forgiveness can be difficult, especially when we have been hurt deeply, but the Bible provides numerous verses that guide us to understand the importance of forgiving others. These verses offer wisdom, comfort, and insight into how forgiveness is essential to our relationship with God and others.
In this post, we’ll explore 35 Bible verses related to the theme of forgiveness. Each verse will help us reflect on God’s mercy and encourage us to follow His example of unconditional love and forgiveness.
35 Bible Verses on Forgive and You Shall Be Forgiven
1. Luke 6:37
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Explanation: Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is a two-way street. When we forgive others, we open ourselves to receive God’s forgiveness in return. Forgiveness is not just a command but a pathway to freedom and reconciliation with God.
2. 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.”
Explanation: This passage highlights the importance of forgiving others. Our forgiveness from God is directly linked to our willingness to forgive those who have wronged us.
3. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Explanation: This verse calls us to show kindness and compassion by forgiving others. Just as Christ forgave us, we are called to extend the same grace to others.
4. 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.”
Explanation: Forgiveness is not just an isolated act, but a way of life. God’s forgiveness towards us should motivate us to forgive others, no matter the offense.
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.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in maintaining a right relationship with God. When we hold onto bitterness, it hinders our communication with Him, but forgiveness restores that connection.
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.’”
Explanation: Jesus teaches us that forgiveness should not be limited. Even when we feel we’ve forgiven enough, we are called to forgive without keeping count, just as God’s forgiveness is endless.
7. Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Explanation: True forgiveness involves reconciliation. We are encouraged to forgive repeatedly, even when someone sins against us many times in a day, as long as they seek repentance.
8. 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.”
Explanation: This verse shows the grace and faithfulness of God. When we confess our sins, God is always ready to forgive us. We are called to offer the same grace to others.
9. Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Explanation: God values reconciliation over rituals. This verse highlights the importance of restoring relationships with others before coming to God with our offerings.
10. Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Explanation: God’s forgiveness is vast and immeasurable. He removes our sins completely, as far as the east is from the west. This immense grace should inspire us to forgive others as well.
11. 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.”
Explanation: Forgiveness is a way of avoiding vengeance. Instead of seeking revenge, we leave justice in God’s hands, trusting that He will handle the wrongs done to us.
12. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8
“Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.”
Explanation: Forgiveness not only frees us but also helps others. By forgiving, we offer healing and comfort, reaffirming love and restoring relationships.
13. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
Explanation: Even on the cross, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of forgiveness, showing love to those who crucified Him. This teaches us that forgiveness should be unconditional, even in the most painful circumstances.
14. Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Explanation: True love covers offenses and doesn’t hold grudges. Repeatedly bringing up someone’s mistakes only causes division. Forgiveness fosters peace and unity.
15. Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Explanation: Forgiveness must come from the heart. God’s forgiveness towards us is deeply tied to our willingness to forgive others sincerely and without resentment.
16. 1 Corinthians 13:5
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Explanation: Love, which is the foundation of forgiveness, does not hold onto past hurts. It lets go of offenses, choosing peace and reconciliation instead.
17. James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Explanation: Confession and prayer lead to healing. Forgiveness is part of the process of restoring our relationship with God and others, bringing emotional and spiritual healing.
18. 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.”
Explanation: Repentance and forgiveness go hand in hand. Turning to God brings cleansing and renewal, a refreshing that comes from His forgiveness.
19. Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Explanation: This passage reminds us that forgiveness is linked to our own judgment of others. We must forgive if we desire God’s mercy in our lives.
20. Luke 15:21-22
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.’”
Explanation: In the parable of the prodigal son, the father’s forgiveness is immediate and full of love. God welcomes us back with open arms, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
21. Matthew 9:2
“Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’”
Explanation: Jesus demonstrates that forgiveness leads to healing, both spiritually and physically. When we receive God’s forgiveness, it brings restoration to every part of our being.
22. Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Explanation: God’s forgiveness is total. He chooses not to remember our sins once we are forgiven. This demonstrates the depth of God’s mercy, and we are called to extend the same grace to others.
23. 1 John 2:1-2
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Explanation: Jesus is our advocate and the one who makes forgiveness possible. His sacrifice on the cross is what enables us to be forgiven and to forgive others.
24. Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Explanation: God’s mercy is abundant and ready to forgive those who turn to Him. No matter our past, God is eager to offer us forgiveness.
25. Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Explanation: Forgiveness also involves restoring others gently. As we forgive, we help others heal and grow, offering them the grace that has been extended to us.
26. Matthew 18:33
“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
Explanation: This verse teaches us the importance of extending the same mercy to others that we’ve received from God. Forgiveness requires us to show compassion and understanding.
27. Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
Explanation: God’s forgiveness allows us to stand before Him with reverence. He doesn’t keep a record of our wrongs, and we are called to do the same for others.
28. 1 Peter 3:9
“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.”
Explanation: Forgiveness requires us to bless those who have wronged us, rather than retaliating. In doing so, we inherit God’s blessing.
29. Romans 4:7
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
Explanation: Forgiveness brings blessings. When God forgives our sins, we experience His covering and peace, and we are called to extend that same grace to others.
30. 2 Corinthians 5:19
“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
Explanation: Through Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself. We are now entrusted with the message of reconciliation, which includes forgiveness and peace with others.
31. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Explanation: Forgiveness requires love, even for our enemies. By loving and praying for those who hurt us, we reflect God’s unconditional love and mercy.
32. Acts 7:60
“Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Explanation: Stephen’s forgiveness as he was being stoned demonstrates the power of forgiveness, even in the face of death. This is the ultimate example of forgiving as Christ forgave us.
33. Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Explanation: This verse from the Lord’s Prayer reminds us that our forgiveness of others is tied to our own forgiveness from God. We are called to forgive as we have been forgiven.
34. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.”
Explanation: Forgiveness is a collective effort among believers. When we forgive, we not only release others but also experience freedom and healing ourselves.
35. Luke 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Explanation: Forgiveness brings joy, both on earth and in heaven. When we forgive, we join in God’s joy and restoration of those who have repented.
Conclusion
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer both to others and ourselves. The Bible teaches us that by forgiving others, we align ourselves with God’s infinite mercy and experience true peace.
These 35 Bible verses remind us of the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual journey. As we embrace the grace of forgiveness, we reflect God’s love to a hurting world.
Consider how these verses encourage you to forgive and extend grace. How have you experienced God’s forgiveness in your life? Feel free to share your thoughts, favorite verses, and reflections in the comments below.
Let’s inspire one another to forgive and live in the freedom that God’s mercy provides.