Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things we’re called to do, yet it is essential for our spiritual growth, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. Letting go of resentment and pain can feel overwhelming, especially when we’ve been deeply hurt, but forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves as much as others.
The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is key to living a life rooted in love, grace, and understanding. It’s not simply about releasing someone else from guilt but about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness.
When we forgive, we open our hearts to God’s healing power, finding peace and renewal, while also strengthening our relationship with Him and with those around us.
This post will explore ten powerful Bible verses on forgiving others. These scriptures remind us of God’s boundless mercy and call us to extend that same grace to others. Whether you’re struggling to offer forgiveness, processing difficult emotions, or seeking inspiration to live a more Christ-like life, these verses provide timeless wisdom and encouragement to guide you on the path toward healing and reconciliation.
1 – Be Kind and Compassionate to One Another
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that forgiveness stems from kindness and compassion, encouraging us to be tender-hearted towards one another. Just as Christ showed us mercy and grace by forgiving our sins and offering us redemption, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others, even when it’s difficult.
Forgiveness is not only about letting go of the wrongs done to us but also about reflecting God’s love and grace in our daily lives. When we approach conflicts with a compassionate heart, we create space for healing, restoration, and stronger relationships. By forgiving others, we align ourselves with God’s example, allowing His love to guide our actions and bring peace to our hearts.
2 – Bear with Each Other and Forgive One Another
“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
This verse from Colossians is all about patience and the way we approach our relationships with others. “Bearing with one another” is a gentle yet powerful reminder to handle tough situations with calm, understanding, and love, even when it’s not easy. It speaks to the importance of showing grace in our interactions, especially when dealing with conflicts or challenges.
It calls us to forgive others just as the Lord forgives us—completely, graciously, and without conditions. This kind of forgiveness is not always simple, but it’s a reflection of the unconditional love and mercy we receive, and a way to build stronger, more compassionate connections with those around us.
3 – Forgive Other People to Be Forgiven
“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
One of the clearest teachings on forgiveness comes from Matthew 6—it really drives home how forgiveness works both ways. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that just as we ask God to forgive us, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others. Basically, our relationship with God is deeply connected to how we treat those around us.
Forgiving someone isn’t just about helping them out or letting go of resentment; it’s also about freeing ourselves and opening our hearts to receive God’s grace in our own lives. When we hold onto grudges, it can block us from fully experiencing the peace and mercy that God wants to pour into us. Forgiveness, then, becomes both an act of obedience and a pathway to spiritual growth.
4 – Forgive, and You Will Be Forgiven
“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
This verse is all about the idea of sowing and reaping, a principle that reminds us our actions and attitudes often come back to us in kind. When we lead with forgiveness and grace, extending compassion to others even when it’s difficult, we open the door to receive the same in return.
Luke 6 teaches us the importance of letting go of judgment, resentment, or bitterness, as these emotions only weigh us down and prevent us from living fully. Instead, forgiveness allows us to experience freedom and opens the door to fully embrace God’s blessings, peace, and love in our lives. It’s a powerful reminder that the way we treat others shapes not only their lives but ours as well.
5 – When You Stand Praying, Forgive
“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
Mark 11 highlights the powerful connection between forgiveness and our prayer life. When we hold onto resentment or bitterness, it creates a barrier that can disrupt our relationship with God and hinder our prayers. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it’s a vital step in aligning our hearts with His will.
When we choose to forgive others during prayer, it’s not just an act of obedience—it’s a transformative process that clears our hearts of negativity and allows us to experience a deeper, more intimate connection with God. By letting go of grudges, we open ourselves to His grace and grow spiritually, reflecting His love and mercy in our lives.
6 – Whoever Covers an Offense Promotes Love
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9
Proverbs 17 reminds us that forgiveness fosters love, whereas holding onto offenses only leads to division and discord. Choosing forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring the harm caused or dismissing wrongdoing, but rather it reflects a conscious decision to prioritize the value of relationships, harmony, and inner peace over harboring resentment.
By letting go of grudges, we create space for healing, understanding, and the restoration of trust, paving the way for stronger and healthier connections with those around us. Forgiveness is not just a gift to others but a meaningful act of self-liberation.
7 – God Will Forgive Our Sins
“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
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s forgiveness is always available to us when we come to Him with a sincere heart, confessing our wrongdoings and turning away from them in repentance. It reflects His unwavering faithfulness and boundless mercy, assuring us that no sin is too great to be forgiven when we seek Him.
This message not only brings comfort but also challenges us to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others, offering it as freely and generously as God does for us. In doing so, we reflect His love and exemplify the transformative power of grace in our own lives.
8 – Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
“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
Through this passage, Jesus illustrates the boundless and unconditional nature of forgiveness. When he speaks of forgiving “seventy-seven times,” it signifies that forgiveness should have no limits or restrictions. This number is symbolic, emphasizing that forgiveness isn’t about keeping count or setting a quota.
Instead, it’s a call to embody a forgiving spirit consistently, wholly, and without hesitation. It encourages us to extend grace to others as often as needed, reflecting the infinite mercy and compassion that God shows to us. This teaching challenges us to rise above resentment and embrace a life rooted in love and understanding.
9 – Forgive and Comfort Him
“Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” 2 Corinthians 2:7
This verse highlights forgiveness as an act of compassion, restoration, and emotional healing. Forgiving others isn’t just about letting go of resentment—it’s about extending comfort, offering grace, and creating a space for reconciliation.
It encourages us to help those who have wronged us move past their mistakes without being weighed down by guilt or despair. Forgiveness not only mends relationships but also fosters a sense of peace and mutual understanding, reminding us of the power of kindness in rebuilding trust and connection.
10 – Do Not Take Revenge
“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.” Romans 12:19
Forgiveness often feels challenging because of our natural human desire for revenge and justice on our own terms. When someone wrongs us, the pain and anger can make it hard to let go. However, Romans 12 encourages us to surrender our hurts and anger to God, reminding us that justice belongs to Him alone.
By releasing our need for control and trusting God to handle the situation in His perfect way and timing, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment. This surrender not only paves the way for us to find peace but also allows us to move forward, unchained by the weight of bitterness. Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong, but about choosing to trust God and prioritize our own healing.
Faith in Christ & Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful act of faith in Christ that invites healing, freedom, and peace into our lives. It allows us to trust in God’s justice and release the heavy burden of resentment and anger. While challenging, choosing to forgive reflects our obedience to God’s Word and our belief in His sovereignty.
Through forgiveness, we not only honor Him, but we also experience the emotional and spiritual liberation that comes with letting go. By relying on God’s grace and strength, we can move forward with lighter hearts, knowing that He is in control and His justice will prevail.
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of love, compassion, and faith in action. His teachings offer wisdom for every challenge we face, from showing kindness to finding peace in difficult times. Watching Living Scriptures+ New Testament videos brings His words to life in a powerful way, helping us see, feel, and apply His lessons in our daily lives. Let His example inspire you to walk in faith, serve others, and draw closer to God. Stream faith based movies & movies about the bible today!
Share Your Story
Forgiveness is a deeply personal and transformative journey, and we’d love to hear how it has impacted your life. Have you experienced the freedom that comes with letting go of bitterness? Has choosing to forgive brought healing to your heart or restored a broken relationship?
Your story could inspire and encourage others who may be struggling on their own path to forgiveness. Please feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
