Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful gifts we have received from God and also one of the most difficult to give ourselves. Yet the Bible shows how important it is to forgive others as Jesus forgave us. In Scripture, forgiveness is much more than an emotional choice: it is a spiritual key to recovery. God's Word encourages us to treat others with love, no matter what they have done.
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
We have listed 15 Bible verses that show why it is important for Christians to be forgiving.
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.'
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.'
Ephesians 4:32
'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.'
Matthew 6:14-15
'If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.'
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.'
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.'
Psalm 103:12
'As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.'
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.'
Isaiah 43:25
'I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.'
Romans 12:17-19
'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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.'
Psalm 86:5
'You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.'
Hebrews 8:12
'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'
Luke 23:34
'Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.'
Acts 2:38
'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.'
2 Chronicles 7:14
'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'
Why forgiveness is important according to the Bible
When we forgive, we restore not only our relationship with others, but also our relationship with God. Jesus forgave us to restore that connection with the Father, and he calls us to love others from that forgiveness too. Forgiveness opens the door to true peace - with God, with others and with yourself.
Want to remind yourself or a friend of God's grace? Then take a look at our collection of encouraging Christian cards and posters with Bible verses that will help you live each day from forgiveness and love.
