10 Scriptures About Forgiving Others
If we have lived a little, we have been hurt by others. Scripture tells us again and again to forgive one another–not because the person who hurt us deserves to be forgiven–but because Jesus has loved and forgiven us of every offensive thing in our life. May these 10 Bible Verses about forgiving others encourage and inspire us to press into forgiveness for the glory of God.
10 Bible Verses About Forgiving Others
Christ’s forgiveness for us compels our forgiveness of others in our life. Forgiveness doesn’t mean there are no consequences or boundaries, an abusive relationship on any level should not be tolerated. But rather true forgiveness is the release of justice into God’s faithful and loving arms.
Forgiving others is important for our own sake–freedom is found for those who forgive freely.
1. 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
The power of forgiveness is found in its abundance. Just as God has abundantly forgiven me, I must also forgive abundantly.
2. 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
Once again, Christ Jesus forgiveness empowers us to forgive in the same spirit and love that He forgives.
3. 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
Unforgiveness is also a sin and separates us from God. Our Heavenly Father knows our tendency to hang onto bitterness and compels us for the sake of our brother and for our own spiritual state to offer true forgiveness.
4. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32
Kindness and compassion are how we see the person we need to forgive through God’s eyes. When we see them and ourselves through God’s eyes we know any good we do is through God working in us, not by any righteousness of our own.
5. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. -Luke 11:4
Right in the Lord’s pray we find this instruction to forgive because God has forgiven us our sins.
6. “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” -Luke 6:27
Jesus challenges us to not only forgive, but to love and pray and do good to those who have caused us harm. This is supernatural forgiveness that is only empowered by God. 7.
7. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. -Galatians 6:1
If a fellow Christ follower sins, our forgiveness and restoration should be done with gentleness and caution so we ourselves don’t fall into the same habits trying to help them get free.
8. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. -Genesis 50:19-21
After their father died, Joseph’s brothers suspect his forgiveness was shallow and fleeting–instead Jospeh comforted his brothers and reassured them that his forgiveness was based in God’s goodness, not their performance.
9. For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses. -Matthew 6:14-16
There is no getting around God’s command to forgive others. God’s children are not to be grudge-holders and score-keepers. This doesn’t free the other person from the consequences of their actions, but rather it frees you, the offended, from carrying the weight of the offense. Trust the justice of your life to God.
10. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. -James 5:15
Confession and restitution for sins brings not only forgiveness, but healing as well. Healing for the one who did harm and for the one who was sinned against. Proverbs 28:13 affirms this: “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.”
No matter what heaviness your past holds you are God’s masterpiece. God saved you by your grace and your past isn’t part of that equation. His forgiveness is total! It’s a free gift for you paid for by Jesus death on the cross. As you freely received it, freely give it away.
Additional Forgiveness Resources for you…
Forgiveness is not an easy subject so I would also recommend these resources as well as seek professional mental health counseling for long-term forgiveness struggles.
- It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way
- Forgiving What You Can’t Forget
- The Gift of Forgiveness
- Philemon + Forgiveness
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