The Bible and Forgiveness
One of the most well-known bible verses about forgiveness comes from Jesus Himself:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”– Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
Forgiveness is one of those words we hear often in Christian spaces, yet living it out can feel very difficult. When someone hurts you deeply, whether through their words, betrayal, or repeated disappointment, forgiveness can seem unfair and often impossible; however, forgiveness sits at the very heart of the Christian faith and must be taken seriously.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible actually says about forgiveness, you’re not alone. Scripture speaks about forgiveness often, but never in a dismissive way. The Bible acknowledges pain, injustice, and human weakness, while always inviting us into healing, freedom, and peace.
- What is Forgiveness?
- What Does Jesus Teach us?
- Healing in the Bible
- First Steps in Forgiveness
- Prayer
Let’s explore what the Bible says about forgiveness together.
What Forgiveness Is…and What It Is Not
The Bible’s teaching on forgiveness can sometimes be misunderstood. The Bible is never asking us to pretend that the hurts didn’t happen for the sake of forgiving someone. Rather, biblical forgiveness is a heart posture. It’s a decision to release resentment and entrust justice to God. While this can be easier said than done, the results are tremendous.
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”– Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Forgiveness is about freedom, not denial. It’s about choosing compassion over bitterness, even while acknowledging the pain and the hurts that have been done.
What Jesus Teaches Us About Forgiveness
Did you know that Jesus spoke about forgiveness more than almost any other command?
I’d like to think people in the Bible sometimes struggled with the radical concept of forgiveness, too. Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive someone who sins against him and Jesus replies:
“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”– Matthew 18:22 (NIV)
Jesus’s answer to Peter points to forgiveness as a continual practice, not a one-time event. Forgiveness may need to be revisited again and again, especially when the painful memories resurface. This can sometimes look like a daily choice to continue forgiving someone and surrendering them to the Lord.
And if that wasn’t radical enough, Jesus also modeled forgiveness in action.
“Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”– Luke 23:34 (MSG)
Wow. Let that sink in for a second. While dying on a cross Jesus, a man who knew no sin, asked God to forgive those who were crucifying Him. That is so humbling, and that is the love that allows us to extend this forgiveness to others, whether we feel they deserve it or not.
Forgiveness and Healing in the Bible
This may be the best news about forgiveness. The Bible often links forgiveness with healing- both spiritual and emotional. Holding onto unforgiveness can quietly shape our inner lives, breeding bitterness, anger, and exhaustion. Over time, this resentment can seep into our hearts and decisions, leading to sin.
“See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
Forgiveness sure doesn’t erase the painful memories, but it does loosen the grip of bitterness within us. Remember, He forgave us, He can heal any and all wounds.
Taking the First Step to Forgiveness
The Bible never minimizes suffering. In fact, many people in the Bible wrestled with deep pain and painfully hard circumstances. For example, David, Joseph, and even Jesus experienced betrayal and injustice.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” –Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
Forgiveness in Scripture is often a process, never a performance. It may start as a prayer you whisper through tears saying, “God, help me want to forgive, even when I don’t know how.” A vulnerable and honest prayer like that can be a faithful first step.
Prayer
If you’re reading this and feeling the Lord’s gentle conviction through these Bible verses about forgiveness telling you there’s someone in your life you need to forgive, then invite Him in.
“God, I don’t agree with what this person did or said to me. It really hurt me and the pain still lingers in a way that is preventing me from fully letting go. I want to experience peace that surpasses all understanding, that only You can provide. Lord, I want to release this person to you. Take their words and actions and prevent them from having a grip on my heart anymore. I want to surrender them to you Lord, knowing you are a God of justice. You will fight for me, I need only to be still. Thank you Father for forgiving the ways I have sinned so I can extend this forgiveness to others who have wronged me. Amen.”
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
