Bible Verses about Forgiveness to Offer you Comfort and Hope

Extending forgiveness to someone that has wronged you can be hard. And we often find ourselves in situations where we need forgiveness for the things we’ve done to other people. While bearing a grudge and holding onto our ill feelings toward someone that’s hurt us might feel natural and maybe even just, these Bible verses about forgiveness encourage us to forgive other people and release ourselves from resentment.

While forgiveness is hard and can at times feel unnatural, studies on forgiveness have shown the significant benefits and improvements to our mental and physical health that practicing forgiveness can bring. How do we practice extending forgiveness to others so that we can experience the peace and freedom it brings us?

The topic of forgiveness looms large in the Bible, and we see the many examples of forgiveness in action. Among these, we recognize how our relationship with God is based upon an extravagant act of forgiveness. This is the story that we are drawn into, and if we understand that story well, we ought to understand how forgiveness is a part of who we are now as God’s people.

That helps us to make sense of those passages that remind us that since we’ve experienced God’s forgiveness, we ought to extend that same forgiveness toward others that have sinned against us. For the Christian, there are unique resources made available to us in the Bible to give us the strength to forgive.

Below are some Bible verses about forgiveness. To get the whole picture about what these verses are referring to, you can look up the chapter and read it in context. It turns out that God cares a lot about forgiveness.

He wants to forgive us, and so he made a way for us to be forgiven through Jesus Christ. And it also turns out that God cares a lot about our relationships with others, and it matters to him whether we are forgiving others in the same way he forgave us.

These Bible verses about forgiveness are encouraging, especially if you’re feeling in need of forgiveness. Forgiveness in abundance is made available to us. And while the following verses also assure us of our forgiveness from God, make no mistake about it – these verses also challenge us to live out that forgiveness in a meaningful way. May they encourage, challenge, and comfort you in your journey.

Bible verses about forgiveness.

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. – Isaiah 55:7

“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. – Luke 23:34

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. – Psalm 32:5

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

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:31-32

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. – Matthew 6:14-15

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. – Matthew 18:21-22

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. – Luke 17:3-4

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

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. – Isaiah 43:25-26

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

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

In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time, they left Egypt until now.” The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. – Numbers 14:19-20

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. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:18-19

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

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:38

To him, all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. – Acts 10: 43

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. – Isaiah 55:7

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. – 1 John 2:12

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

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. – Romans 4:5

I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. – Luke 7:47

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. – Psalm 103:11-12

And so, I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. – Matthew 12:31

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. – Colossians 3:12-13

Christian Counseling for Relationship Issues

While forgiveness blesses us and allows us to live a life that has the shape of Christ’s own life, it’s an understatement to say that forgiving others is hard. It may well be one of the hardest things you may ever do in your life. But you are not without help. you can turn to these Bible verses about forgiveness for guidance and strength to forgive others and to learn to be compassionate toward yourself.

The Lord through his Spirit can empower you to overcome unforgiveness. Additionally, in his providence God has given us people in our lives that can walk with us as we deal with unforgiveness or resentment. It may be a spiritual leader, a trusted friend, or a licensed therapist who can walk with you if you’re struggling with forgiving others.

These resources can help you overcome areas of struggle and lead you into spaces of peace and joy. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to schedule a counseling appointment to discuss these or other issues.