What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Whether it’s because of misunderstandings or wrongdoings, sometimes the relationship we have with others is in danger of being broken and dominated by resentment. We find that our hearts don’t have peace, and negative emotions such as hatred and trouble have taken hold in our hearts.

That is the critical moment to control our emotion. When we harbor inner hatred without forgiveness, we can never dwell in joy or peace.

We must stand earnestly before God – first checking what is amiss in our heart, then receiving guidance of the Holy Spirit and His word.

I hope these Bible verses can help you practice the life of forgiveness:

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.
– Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)

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.
– James 5:16 (NIV)

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.
– Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
– Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

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. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants….. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
– Matthew 18:15-35 (NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
– 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
– Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But 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. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
– Genesis 50:17-21 (NIV)

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
– Mark 11:25 (NIV)

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
– Matthew 6:15 (NIV)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
– Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
– Luke 6:37 (NIV)

Leave a comment Cancel reply