Bible verse on forgiveness

Summary

Bible verse on forgiveness

Bible verse on forgiveness

Here is a comprehensive and authoritative resource, structured for maximum impact and readability, focusing strictly on the biblical theology of forgiveness.

Part 1: The Ultimate Collection of Forgiveness Bible Verses (60 Verses)

 

I have curated 60 of the most potent verses regarding forgiveness, categorized by the nature of the forgiveness (God’s forgiveness of us vs. our forgiveness of others).

I. God’s Forgiveness of Sinners The foundation of the Christian faith: Divine pardon.

1. 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.”

2. Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

3. Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

4. Micah 7:18 – “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

5. Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

6. Colossians 1:13-14 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness… in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

7. 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.”

8. Isaiah 43:25 – “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

9. 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.”

10. Hebrews 8:12 – “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

11. Daniel 9:9 – “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”

12. Psalm 32:1 – “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”

13. Psalm 32:5 – “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

14. Psalm 86:5 – “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”

15. Jeremiah 31:34 – “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

16. Luke 24:47 – “And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

17. Acts 10:43 – “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

18. Acts 13:38 – “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

19. Romans 4:7-8 – “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

20. 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people… will humble themselves and pray… then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

21. Numbers 14:18 – “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.”

22. Psalm 65:3 – “When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.”

23. Isaiah 38:17 – “In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.”

24. Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake their ways… Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

25. Joel 2:13 – “Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”

26. Matthew 26:28 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

27. Luke 1:77 – “To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”

28. Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

29. Acts 26:18 – “So that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

30. James 5:15 – “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well… If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

II. Our Forgiveness of Others The mandate for believers to release offenses.

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

32. 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.”

33. Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

34. Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

35. 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.”

36. 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.”

37. 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.'”

38. Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

39. Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

40. Luke 17:3 – “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”

41. Luke 17:4 – “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.”

42. 2 Corinthians 2:7 – “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”

43. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – “Anyone you forgive, I also forgive… in order that Satan might not outwit us.”

44. 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

45. Luke 23:34 – “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”

46. Genesis 50:17 – “I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.” (Joseph’s story).

47. Matthew 5:23-24 – “First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

48. Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”

49. Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

50. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”

51. James 2:13 – “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

52. Matthew 18:35 – “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

53. Proverbs 24:29 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'”

54. Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

55. 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.” (Stephen).

56. 1 Corinthians 13:5 – “Love… keeps no record of wrongs.”

57. Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”

58. Philemon 1:18 – “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”

59. Proverbs 25:21-22 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”

60. Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Part 2: Common Questions & Answers (FAQ) About Forgiveness

 

These questions address the nuance, difficulty, and theology of forgiveness that believers struggle with daily.

Q1: Does forgiving mean forgetting? A: Not literally. God says He “remembers our sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25), which means He chooses not to act on them or hold them against us judicially. For humans, we may still have the memory of the event, but forgiveness means we choose not to use that memory as a weapon or a reason for revenge. The emotional sting of the memory usually fades after true forgiveness.

Q2: Do I have to forgive if the person isn’t sorry? A: Yes. Mark 11:25 says, “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.” It does not add “if they apologize.” Forgiveness is a command for your freedom, to prevent bitterness from taking root in your heart. However, reconciliation (restoring the relationship) requires the other person to repent. You can forgive without reconciling.

Q3: What if I keep forgiving but I still feel angry? A: Forgiveness is primarily a decision of the will, not an emotion. You make the choice to forgive (the legal transaction of canceling the debt). The healing of emotions often takes time. Continue to pray for the person (Matthew 5:44), as this helps align your feelings with your decision over time.

Q4: Is there any sin God won’t forgive? A: Jesus mentions the “blasphemy against the Spirit” (Matthew 12:31) as unforgivable. Most theologians agree this is not a specific accidental sin, but a continuous, hardened resistance to the Holy Spirit’s drawing and the rejection of Jesus as Savior. If you are worried you have committed it, your concern proves you haven’t, as you still have a tender conscience.

Q5: How do I forgive myself? A: The Bible doesn’t explicitly teach “self-forgiveness” because we are not our own judges—God is. If God has forgiven you (1 John 1:9), “forgiving yourself” is actually just the process of accepting God’s judgment over your own. It is agreeing with God that the blood of Jesus was enough to cover your mistake.

Q6: Does forgiveness mean no consequences? A: No. You can forgive a thief, but the law may still require them to go to jail. David was forgiven for his sin with Bathsheba, but there were still severe consequences in his family (2 Samuel 12). Forgiveness deals with the spiritual debt; consequences deal with earthly reality and justice.

Q7: Why does Jesus say “If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven” (Matt 6:15)? A: This is a hard teaching. It suggests that a heart that refuses to show mercy is a heart that has not truly grasped or received mercy. If we are truly born again and indwelt by the Spirit of Christ, we will forgive. A persistent refusal to forgive may indicate a lack of genuine saving faith.

Q8: What does “70 times 7” mean? A: In Matthew 18:22, Jesus uses this phrase to mean “unlimited.” He is contrasting it with the Rabbinic tradition of forgiving three times. He teaches that forgiveness should be a lifestyle, not a math problem. We don’t keep score.

Q9: How do I know if I’ve truly forgiven someone? A: Signs include: You no longer wish them harm; you don’t replay the offense constantly in your mind; you don’t tell others about the offense to gain sympathy; and you can pray for their well-being.

Q10: Can I forgive someone who has died? A: Yes. Since forgiveness is an internal release of bitterness and a canceling of a debt, you can do this regardless of whether the person is present. It is a way to release the hold the past has on you.

Q11: Does forgiveness require trust? A: No. Forgiveness is a gift; trust must be earned. If someone hurt you deeply, you are commanded to forgive them instantly, but you are not commanded to trust them instantly. Boundaries are biblical and necessary while trust is being rebuilt.

Q12: Is anger a sin? A: Not necessarily. Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin.” Anger is a signal that something is wrong. It becomes sin when it turns into bitterness, rage, or a desire for revenge.

Q13: How do I handle repeated betrayal? A: Luke 17:4 commands us to forgive repeated repentance. However, this does not mean enabling abuse. You forgive the spiritual debt, but you may need to remove yourself from the relationship to prevent further harm (Proverbs 22:3).

Q14: What is the connection between prayer and forgiveness? A: Mark 11:25 links them directly. Unforgiveness can hinder our prayer life. It acts as a blockage in our relationship with God, making it difficult to sense His presence or receive His guidance.

Q15: Why is it so hard to forgive? A: Because forgiveness involves suffering. When you forgive, you absorb the cost of the wrong instead of making the other person pay. It goes against our natural desire for “fairness” and justice. It requires supernatural grace.

Q16: What if I want revenge? A: Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge… but leave room for God’s wrath.” God is the only fair judge. Trusting Him to handle justice releases you from the burden of trying to be the judge and executioner.

Q17: Is reconciliation always God’s will? A: Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Sometimes reconciliation isn’t possible because the other person refuses, or it isn’t safe. Forgiveness depends on you; reconciliation takes two.

Q18: How does the Lord’s Prayer guide us in forgiveness? A: It links our request for daily bread (provision) with our request for forgiveness. It reminds us daily that we are sinners in need of grace, which humbles us to extend grace to others.

Q19: Can I forgive without an apology? A: Yes. Jesus forgave his executioners while they were nailing him to the cross (Luke 23:34). They hadn’t apologized. We forgive to obey God and free ourselves, not because the offender deserves it.

Q20: What is the “Root of Bitterness”? A: Hebrews 12:15 warns against a “root of bitterness” growing up to cause trouble. Unforgiveness starts small but grows deep roots that can defile many—affecting your health, other relationships, and spiritual vitality.

Q21: What role does the Holy Spirit play in forgiveness? A: We often cannot forgive in our own strength. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22). We need to ask the Holy Spirit to forgive through us when our own will is too weak.

Q22: Is forgiving a process or a one-time event? A: Often both. There is a decisive moment where you say “I forgive.” But then, when the memory returns or the pain flares up, you must re-confirm that decision. It is like peeling an onion; there may be layers of hurt to release over time.

Q23: What if the person I need to forgive is God? A: People often feel angry at God for tragedy. While God has never sinned and thus doesn’t need “forgiveness,” we often need to work through our blame and anger toward Him to restore the relationship. This involves trusting His sovereignty and goodness even in pain.

Q24: What if the person I need to forgive is myself? A: Many believers struggle with shame. If God has forgiven you, refusing to forgive yourself is a form of pride—it implies your standard of justice is higher than God’s.

Q25: Does forgiveness minimize the offense? A: No. Forgiveness actually takes the offense very seriously. It looks at the full reality of the pain and the wrongness of the act, and then chooses to release it. If it wasn’t a big deal, it wouldn’t require forgiveness, just excuse.