30 Top Bible Verses About Forgiveness Printable
Inside: Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Forgiveness—it’s one of those things that sounds amazing in theory, but let’s be honest, it can feel a bit like trying to hug a cactus in real life!
We know we’re supposed to forgive, but actually doing it? That’s a whole different story.
Whether it’s a small hurt or a deep wound, forgiveness isn’t easy.
But the good news? The Bible is packed with verses that remind us why it’s worth it and how we can get there.
So grab your coffee (because coffee always helps), and let’s dive into some powerful Bible verses that will encourage and challenge us on this wild journey of forgiveness!
Let’s go over 30 Bible verses on forgiveness that have helped me move forward in forgiveness and still help me to this day.
Scriptures on Forgiveness
Are you wanting to know what forgiveness in the bible looks like?
Here are a few Bible verses that talk about forgiveness.
- 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
Here Paul encourages us to be gently and patient with each other and to forgive one another. Why? Because God forgives us. We forgive others, because God sets the example and forgive us.
- 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 NIV
Anyone who refuses to forgive others is rebelling against God’s forgiveness. No sin committed against us, great or small, should stand in the way of our granting forgiveness to others.
If we have been forgiven by God for so much, how could we withhold forgiveness from people who seem to do nothing wrong but offend us?
Side note here: Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. Sometimes we must forgive and close the door of friendship to someone.
- 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
Peter is asking this question because the Jewish rabbis required those who followed the law to forgive a person who was guilty of the same offense only three times. And Jesus tells us here that we are to extend grace many more times.
There is a long list of Bible verses on forgiveness, but those are a few to get you started in your search and study on this topic.
See the printable list of 30 Bible Verses On Forgiveness below.
What Does Jesus Say About Forgiveness
Jesus has a lot to say about forgiveness, and it’s central to His message of love and grace.
One of the clearest things He teaches is that forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s essential.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “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.” Here, He shows us that forgiving others is tied to our relationship with God. It’s a powerful reminder that just as we’ve been forgiven by God, we are called to forgive others.
Jesus also goes beyond just telling us to forgive a few times. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone—thinking maybe seven times was enough—Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22). This means forgiveness has no limit.
At the heart of it, Jesus’ message is that forgiveness is about freeing our hearts and reflecting the grace God has shown us. It’s not easy, but Jesus gives us the perfect example by forgiving us first. When we forgive, we let go of bitterness and make room for healing, peace, and the love of Christ to flow into our lives.
What Happens When I Don’t Forgive
When we don’t forgive, we carry a burden we were never meant to bear.
Unforgiveness is like holding onto a heavy weight that can poison our hearts and minds. Biblically, forgiveness is essential for a few key reasons:
- Blocks Our Relationship with God: Jesus teaches that our forgiveness from God is linked to how we forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). When we hold onto unforgiveness, it creates a barrier between us and God, hindering our prayers and spiritual growth.
- Harms Our Own Hearts: Unforgiveness fosters bitterness and resentment. Hebrews 12:15 warns us about the “root of bitterness” that can take hold and cause trouble. It doesn’t just hurt the person we refuse to forgive; it harms us.
- Gives the Enemy a Foothold: Ephesians 4:26-27 reminds us that holding onto anger and unforgiveness can give the devil an opportunity in our lives. It opens the door to negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are not from God.
- Keeps Us Stuck: Forgiveness brings freedom. When we refuse to forgive, we remain stuck in the past, reliving the pain and allowing it to control our present and future.
But here’s the good news: forgiveness is possible because of the grace God has shown us through Christ. When we forgive, we reflect His love and release ourselves from the prison of bitterness. Letting go is hard, but it’s a gift you give yourself—peace, healing, and a closer walk with God.
Forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was okay. It’s trusting God to be the judge and letting Him heal your heart.
Bible Verses About Forgiving Others Who Hurt You
Forgiving those who’ve hurt you can feel impossible, right?
The pain is real, the wounds deep, and yet—Jesus commands it!
Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook; it’s about setting yourself free from the prison of bitterness.
The Bible makes it clear: we must forgive. Matthew 6:14-15 tells us, “For if you forgive others, God will forgive you; if you don’t, He won’t.”
That’s intense! Forgiving others is not optional—it’s necessary for your own freedom and peace.
Ready to let go and embrace the healing God offers? Dive into these powerful verses and start breaking those chains today!
Forgiveness Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You, heart heavy with the pain of what’s been done to me. I know You call me to forgive, but honestly, it feels impossible. Yet, Your Word says, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37), and I don’t want to carry this burden any longer. Lord, I release this hurt into Your hands. Help me to forgive, even when it’s hard, and trust You with the justice. You say in Romans 12:19, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” I trust You, God. Heal my heart, and let me walk in the freedom You promise through forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Verses About Forgiveness Printable
Use this list of 30 Bible verses about forgiveness to help you learn, grow and heal. This makes a great scripture writing plan.
Take one passage of Scripture a day to read, write out and pray over. Grab the printable version below.
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Learning To Forgive Scripture Writing Journal Printable
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Forgiveness Devotional
Unforgiveness is a silent prison, locking you in bitterness, pain, and spiritual stagnation.
In Escape the Chains of Unforgiveness mini course, embark on a 5-day journey that dives deep into the roots of resentment, helping you break free, heal, and experience God’s transformative grace.
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More Articles on Forgiveness In The Bible
Practical Steps on Forgiveness – There are practical steps to forgiving others that each Christian should take into consideration when needing to forgive others and when instructing others to forgive.
Praying for those that hurt us – God doesn’t want us to take revenge, hate, nor return the hurt towards those that have scarred our hearts. And equally He doesn’t want us holding onto the pain and letting it fester inside us and allowing it to turn into bitterness.
Forgiving without an apology – Holding on to the hurt and pain will only hinder us from true healing. Un-forgiveness can put a wedge between us and the true inner healing God has for us. It puts a wall up between us and God.
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