Today we will talk about forgiving bible verses. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Forgiveness is a gift we receive and a gift we give. It changes our hearts, frees us from grudges, and opens the way for healing. As we look at these forgiving bible verses, let us breathe, listen, and let God speak to our wounds. We will find that forgiveness is not weakness but compassion made strong. It asks us to release offense and to trust God with justice and restoration. These passages will teach us how to ask for forgiveness, how to forgive others, and how to accept God’s mercy for ourselves. As we read, let us remember forgiveness is a journey—sometimes a small step, sometimes a big leap. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, who showed us what mercy looks like. May these forgiving bible verses encourage us to practice grace in daily life, to mend broken relationships, and to live in the peace God wants for us all. Let us read slowly, let the words sink in, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us forgive and to receive forgiveness.
forgiving bible verses
Key Verse
In the center of many forgiving bible verses is a simple promise: when we choose forgiveness, God’s forgiveness reaches us. This verse ties our choice to God’s response and shows how mercy and responsibility meet. As we hold this truth, let our hearts soften toward others and toward ourselves.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
God’s Forgiveness of Us
When we read forgiving bible verses that point to God’s forgiveness of us, we find comfort and hope. We are reminded that God knows our faults and yet chooses mercy. This truth helps us come clean before God and receive cleansing. In our lives, we may carry shame, but these forgiving bible verses show us a God who removes our sins as far as east is from west. They teach us confession matters; when we admit our wrongs, God forgives and restores. We learn that forgiveness is not earned by works but offered through grace. When we accept God’s forgiveness, we can let go of guilt and step into a new way of living. That freedom also changes how we treat others—because we’ve been forgiven, we can forgive. These forgiving bible verses invite us to rest in God’s mercy and to trust that He remembers our sins no more. We can bring our brokenness honestly to God, knowing He receives us, forgives us, and rebuilds us. As we practice accepting God’s mercy, we grow kinder to ourselves and stronger in faith. Let these forgiving bible verses warm our hearts and teach us to live in the peace God gives.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Micah 7:18-19
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” – Micah 7:18-19
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7
Forgiving Others
When we study forgiving bible verses about forgiving others, we see this is central to our Christian life. These passages ask us to look beyond anger and to choose compassion even when it is hard. Forgiveness does not mean we ignore harm or walk into abuse; it means we release the right to punish and leave judgment to God. In practice, that might mean speaking truth in love, seeking wise boundaries, or praying for the one who hurt us. Forgiving bible verses teach that forgiveness is repeated: we may need to forgive many times, and that’s okay. It is a spiritual discipline that softens our hearts and breaks cycles of bitterness. When we forgive, we create space for reconciliation, but we also set ourselves free from carrying a heavy load. These scriptures invite us to act, not only feel: forgive in our words, forgive in prayer, and forgive in decisions. Through forgiving bible verses we learn to follow Jesus’ example—gracious, patient, and quick to pardon. As we practice, we grow in humility and love, and our relationships can begin to heal. Let us trust God to guide our steps as we extend mercy to others.
Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
Luke 17:3-4
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” – Luke 17:3-4
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Asking Forgiveness and Confession
Many forgiving bible verses teach us how to ask for forgiveness. When we confess, we admit our wrong and open the door to healing. These passages remind us that hiding sin brings pain, but confession brings mercy. In community, confessing to one another can bring deep restoration. We learn that true confession is honest and humble—without excuses and with a desire to change. Asking forgiveness to God is also a spiritual act of surrender. It means we stop defending ourselves and let God remake us. Forgiving bible verses also show that when we repent, God forgives quickly and fully. That gives us courage to come before God without fear. As we practice confession, we become more real with God and with others. We learn to apologize, to make amends where possible, and to accept God’s cleansing. These forgiving bible verses have a healing rhythm: we confess, we receive grace, and we live differently. That cycle helps us grow into the people God calls us to be.
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Psalm 32:5
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” – Psalm 32:5
Daniel 9:9
“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;” – Daniel 9:9
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” – Acts 3:19
Reconciliation and Restoration
These forgiving bible verses about reconciliation teach us how forgiveness leads to restored relationships. Reconciliation often begins with a brave step—either an apology or taking the initiative to make things right. Scripture advises coming quietly and humbly, seeking peace before offering worship. We see that God gives us the ministry of reconciliation; He calls us to be agents of repair in our families and communities. Sometimes reconciliation requires time and trust. These forgiving bible verses point out that not every reconciliation looks the same—some wounds need boundaries, some need patient rebuilding. Still, the goal is healing, and God helps us take the steps. When we practice these truths, we learn to value peace more than being right, and we find that reconciliation brings joy and freedom. The Bible’s stories, like the father and the prodigal son, show how welcome and full of mercy restoration can be. As we follow these forgiving bible verses, we become peacemakers who reflect God’s heart for broken relationships.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” – Matthew 18:15
Luke 15:20
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
Forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer and Mercy
The Lord’s Prayer centers forgiveness and teaches us to ask for it as we offer it. These forgiving bible verses show that mercy is a rhythm in our prayers—asking, receiving, and giving. We learn that forgiveness is part of daily dependence on God. The prayers in Scripture call us to mercy because God is merciful toward us. That keeps our hearts humble and helps us remember we need grace every day. When we practice the Lord’s Prayer, thanking God and asking forgiveness, we open the door to change and compassion. These forgiving bible verses also invite us to approach God’s throne with confidence to receive mercy and find help. As we pray, we grow in love and in the habit of forgiving others like God forgives us. Let these scriptures shape our daily conversations with God and our responses to people who hurt us.
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
Luke 11:4
“And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” – Luke 11:4
Psalm 51:1-2
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” – Psalm 51:1-2
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Psalm 86:5
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” – Psalm 86:5
Forgiveness, Love, and Compassion
Forgiving bible verses often tie forgiveness to love. When we love like Jesus, forgiveness flows naturally. Love sees the person beyond the offense and longs for their good. These passages teach us that love is patient and kind, not proud or harsh. As a community, we practice compassionate forgiveness by listening, bearing burdens, and choosing the other’s welfare. Love asks us to forgive even when it costs us something. But it also frees us to act justly, protecting the vulnerable while seeking restoration. These forgiving bible verses help us grow in empathy; they show that forgiveness is an expression of God’s heart. When we are patient and loving, we create safe spaces where healing can happen. Let these scriptures remind us that forgiveness and love walk together, shaping how we treat family, friends, and strangers.
Luke 6:36
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34
Humility, Letting Go of Pride, and Forgiveness
Humility is the soil in which forgiveness grows. Forgiving bible verses that focus on humility teach us to lower our pride and value others. When we are humble, we can see our own faults and extend grace more easily. These scriptures remind us that God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. In practice, humility looks like listening, admitting when we’re wrong, and being ready to restore people gently when they fall. It also helps us forgive repeat offenses with wisdom and patience. As a community, we can gently help one another without harsh judgment. Forgiving bible verses encourage us to become like children in trust, not childish in ignoring responsibility. Let humility shape our responses, so forgiving others becomes a sign of spiritual maturity and of God working in us.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
James 4:6
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” – James 4:6
Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Matthew 18:3
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” – Luke 6:37
Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness
Forgiving bible verses show that justice and mercy are both part of God’s heart. He asks us to do what is right, but also to love mercy and walk humbly with Him. These passages teach that forgiveness does not cancel justice but invites God’s perfect judgment and restoration. When we balance justice with mercy, we protect the innocent and offer hope to the offender. Scripture shows us that God remembers sin no more and that mercy can meet truth in ways that heal communities. As we learn from these forgiving bible verses, we become people who act fairly, speak truth, and yet remain ready to forgive. That balance helps us to be wise peacemakers who reflect God’s character in a broken world.
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” – Isaiah 43:25
Psalm 85:10
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” – Psalm 85:10
Romans 3:23-24
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” – Romans 3:23-24
Forgiveness, Inner Healing, and Self-Forgiveness
Forgiving bible verses also speak to the inner work of healing and learning to forgive ourselves. God’s forgiveness can remove the heavy load of shame and cause us to stand up again. These passages remind us that in Christ there is no condemnation and that God heals broken hearts. Self-forgiveness is often hard because we replay mistakes over and over. But the Bible invites us to lay our burdens down, to accept God’s grace, and to let His peace shape our identity. When we allow God’s comfort, we can move from regret to growth. These forgiving bible verses show that healing often comes through community, prayer, and truth. They encourage us to receive God’s mercy and to live in the freedom He gives. As we accept God’s forgiveness, we can also become people who help others find healing too.
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1
Psalm 103:2-3
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” – Psalm 103:2-3
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
The Command to Forgive and Jesus’ Example
Finally, many forgiving bible verses show Jesus as the model of forgiveness. He forgave those who hurt Him and taught us to forgive in prayer and practice. His words and actions show forgiveness is at the heart of God’s kingdom. We see Jesus forgiving the sick, the sinners, and even those who crucified Him. His example invites us to act with courage and love. When we struggle to forgive, we look to Jesus—His mercy shows what is possible when we trust God. These scriptures remind us that forgiveness is not a human trick but a spiritual command rooted in God’s love. When we follow Jesus, we learn to release offense, to ask for God’s help, and to walk in the freedom He brings. Let these forgiving bible verses shape our lives as we try to live like Him.
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” – Luke 23:34
John 8:11
“She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” – John 8:11
Mark 2:5
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” – Mark 2:5
Matthew 9:2
“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” – Matthew 9:2
Acts 10:43
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” – Acts 10:43
Final Thoughts
I have shared a collection of forgiving bible verses and reflections to help us think about mercy, confession, and healing. As we read, we remember that God’s forgiveness is real, wide, and ready for anyone who turns to Him.
We can practice forgiving others and ourselves because God first forgave us. When we choose forgiveness, we open the door to reconciliation and inner peace. Let us keep taking small steps—praying, confessing, and offering grace—so our lives reflect the mercy God shows.
May we continue to return to these forgiving bible verses when we need courage or comfort. I pray we become people known for mercy, patience, and love, trusting God to heal what is broken and to lead us in forgiveness.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)