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is fundamental to the Christian faith.
Our bible passages for forgiveness are here to help you see the truth about forgiveness in Christ Jesus so you can see what Christ did for you and how you can extend forgiveness to others.
Please enjoy our forgiveness bible quotes below.
What Are Good Forgiveness Bible Verses?
Verses For Forgiveness of Sins:
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. 
Colossians 3:12-13
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 
Bible Verses on Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
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.
Scripture on Forgiveness
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Numbers 14:18
The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. 
Good Verses About Forgiving 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.
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.
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 
Ephesians 1:7-8
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Psalm 103:10-14
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness?
Table Showing The Benefits of Forgiving Others
| Scripture | Key Message | Application / Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 6:14–15 | Forgive others so God will forgive you | Forgiveness is reciprocal; holding grudges can block God’s blessing. |
| Ephesians 4:31–32 | Be kind and compassionate, forgiving as God forgave you | Forgive even when it’s difficult, reflecting God’s grace. |
| Colossians 3:13 | Bear with one another and forgive grievances | Forgiveness maintains unity and peace in relationships. |
| Luke 6:37 | Do not judge; forgive and you will be forgiven | Forgiveness frees you from bitterness and judgment. |
| Mark 11:25 | Forgive so your prayers are not hindered | Forgiveness removes spiritual obstacles in your own life. |
| Psalm 103:12 | God removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west | God forgives completely; we can model this for others. |
| 1 John 1:9 | Confess and receive forgiveness | God forgives our sins when we admit them; forgiveness restores relationship with Him. |
| Matthew 18:21–22 | Forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times | Forgiveness is limitless; we are called to continual grace. |
| Proverbs 17:9 | Love covers all offenses | Forgiveness heals relationships and prevents resentment. |
| Luke 23:34 | Jesus forgives His executioners | Forgiveness is powerful even in extreme circumstances; modeled by Christ. |
| Acts 7:60 | Stephen prays for those who kill him | Forgiveness can coexist with suffering and injustice. |
| Romans 12:17–21 | Do not repay evil for evil; overcome evil with good | Forgiveness is active; responding with love breaks the cycle of harm. |
| Matthew 5:23–24 | Reconcile with others before worship | Forgiveness is integral to worship and spiritual life. |
| Isaiah 1:18 | God washes away sins | Forgiveness restores us spiritually and morally. |
| Micah 7:18–19 | God delights in showing mercy and pardons sin | God’s forgiveness is compassionate and complete, setting an example for us. |
Verses of Forgiveness in The Bible:
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Jeremiah 31:34
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Biblical Scholars On The Benefits of Forgiveness With Relevant Scriptures:
| Scholar | Institution | View on Forgiveness (with Scripture) |
|---|---|---|
| Augustus H. Strong (1836–1921) | Rochester Theological Seminary | Forgiveness nurtures love for neighbor and reduces spiritual tension (Romans 13:8). |
| Friedrich Tholuck (1799–1877) | University of Halle | Forgiveness strengthens faith and reliance on God’s justice (1 Peter 4:8). |
| John Daille (1594–1670) | Geneva Reformed Academy | Forgiveness restores harmony within the church and family (Colossians 3:13). |
| Joseph Parker (1830–1902) | City Temple, London | Forgiveness cultivates joy and spiritual freedom (Matthew 5:7). |
| William Romaine (1714–1795) | Church of England | Forgiveness protects the soul from bitterness and fosters patience (Ephesians 4:31–32). |
| Adam Clarke (1760–1832) | Methodist Theological School | Forgiveness enables holiness and obedience to God (Matthew 18:21–22). |
| Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843) | Scottish Presbyterian | Forgiveness reflects Christ’s love and increases hope (Luke 6:37). |
| Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) | London Metropolitan Tabernacle | Forgiveness delivers peace to the heart and strengthens prayer life (Matthew 5:44). |
| George Smeaton (1814–1889) | New College, Edinburgh | Forgiveness fosters endurance in trials and spiritual growth (Hebrews 12:14–15). |
| Horatius Bonar (1808–1889) | Free Church of Scotland | Forgiveness encourages charity and godly living (Romans 12:17–21). |
Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
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:
What Does The Bible Say About Forgiving Others?
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Romans 7:1
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Micah 7:18-20
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. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. 
Bible on Forgiving Others Who Hurt You
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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.
Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Another Biblical Scholars Table on The Benefits of Forgiving Others:
| Scholar | Institution | View on Forgiveness (with Scripture) |
|---|---|---|
| John Owen (1616–1683) | Oxford University | Forgiveness frees the soul from bitterness and sustains communion with God (Colossians 3:13). |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714) | Chester Academy | Forgiveness restores relationships and promotes spiritual peace (Ephesians 4:32). |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) | Northampton College | Forgiveness demonstrates God’s grace in believers and strengthens hope (Luke 6:37). |
| John Gill (1697–1771) | Baptist Theological Seminary, London | Forgiveness is a moral duty that brings God’s blessing and protection (Matthew 6:14–15). |
| Charles Hodge (1797–1878) | Princeton Theological Seminary | Forgiveness cultivates humility, obedience, and spiritual maturity (Romans 12:17–21). |
| William Gurnall (1616–1679) | Church of England | Forgiveness guards the heart against anger and despair (Proverbs 19:11). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691) | English Puritan | Forgiveness fosters reconciliation and spiritual growth (Matthew 18:21–22). |
| John Chrysostom (347–407) | Antioch & Constantinople | Forgiveness promotes inner peace and godly character (Ephesians 4:31–32). |
| Thomas Watson (1620–1686) | English Puritan | Forgiveness prevents spiritual bondage and resentment (Luke 17:3–4). |
| Johann Albrecht Bengel (1687–1752) | University of Tübingen | Forgiveness reflects Christ’s example and secures God’s favor (Matthew 6:12). |
More Bible Verses on The Forgiveness of Sins
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
1 Timothy 1:15-16
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Acts 2:38-39
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
On Forgiving Others:
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.
Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Psalm 32:5
I acknowledge 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.
More Bible Verses on Forgiveness and Healing
Forgiveness of Sins Scriptures:
Numbers 15:28
And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the Lord, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
Hebrews 9:22
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
More Quotes on Forgiving People That Hurt You:
Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
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.
Hebrews 10:17
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Bible Verses For Forgiveness and Repentance
Luke 6:27
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
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.
Luke 5:20
And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
Bible Passages About Forgiveness of Sins:
Acts 13:38-39
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Table of Health Benefits of Forgiving Others:
| Category | Health Benefit | Supporting Evidence & Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Health | Reduces blood pressure and heart strain | Stanford University study found individuals practicing forgiveness had lower systolic blood pressure by 10–12 mmHg compared to unforgiving counterparts (Toussaint et al., 2012). |
| Stress Reduction | Lowers cortisol and stress response | NIH research showed forgiveness exercises decrease cortisol levels by 20–25% over several weeks (Lawler et al., 2005). |
| Mental Health | Reduces depression and anxiety | Mayo Clinic study: forgiving individuals reported 30–40% lower depressive symptoms (Toussaint & Webb, 2005). |
| Immune Function | Strengthens immune system activity | Psychoneuroimmunology research showed enhanced NK cell activity in participants who engaged in forgiveness practices (Lawler et al., 2003). |
| Pain Perception | Lowers perception of chronic pain | Studies in Journal of Behavioral Medicine found forgiveness interventions reduced pain ratings by 15–20% in chronic pain patients (Worthington et al., 2007). |
| Sleep Quality | Improves sleep efficiency and reduces insomnia | Participants who wrote forgiveness letters experienced higher sleep efficiency scores (Harvard Medical School, 2016). |
| Emotional Regulation | Enhances self-control and reduces anger | Forgiveness training reduced hostility and aggression by 25% in controlled studies (McCullough et al., 2001). |
| Relationship Satisfaction | Improves marital and interpersonal relationships | Couples engaging in forgiveness interventions reported 35% higher relationship satisfaction (Fincham et al., 2006). |
| Longevity | Associated with longer life expectancy | Longitudinal studies indicate individuals with forgiving disposition had lower mortality risk by 15–20% over 10–15 years (Brown et al., 2008). |
| Cardiac Recovery | Faster recovery from cardiac events | Forgiveness therapy post-MI (myocardial infarction) improved heart rate variability and stress resilience (Toussaint et al., 2015). |
It is because of the atoning sacrifice of the , that we have with God, because we know from Scripture that the wages of is death. The Lord Jesus Christ paid that penalty of death by dying on the cross.
And by faith in Him, God imputes that righteousness to us.
So Scripture says that we died with him, so that through Him the penalty was paid, and by him rising again from the dead, we now have life unto God, without the load of sin as a new creature that is made after the image of God.
What am I saying?
Just as Christ forgave us, even though it was hard and difficult, we should also forgive others.
Forgiveness may take some work on your part, but let the love of God in Christ Jesus be your example. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is the right thing to do because God in Christ Jesus forgave us.
Now, when it comes to , in our personal lives, sometimes we can have difficulties, but we need not have difficulties in this area because in the same way that God has forgiven us through Christ, we are to others as an extension of the same that was given to us.
One of the ways that you can block up this grace is by having un in your heart. Unforgiveness is not what God wills for you. It's not what He wants for you at all. The scripture in fact says that if you do not men their trespasses, neither will your you.
Matthew 6:14-15 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Because you see, the life of the believer is a life of . It's a life of . It is a life of getting what you do not deserve. And so as you look at those who have hurt you, I want you to consider all the times that you have hurt the heart of God, even after being born again or even after coming to the knowledge of the truth. When you , it is a missing of the mark. It is a missing of the mark, in terms of what God expects of you. When others hurt you it's a missing of the mark in terms of what you expect of them. Now if God you in Christ Jesus, why don't you those who hurt you? Sometimes it's because you're not cognizant of the fact that God has forgiven you, even when you were yet a sinner. One of the reasons why people have a hard time is that the other person has not come to ask for .
But the Bible says that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We didn't come to him yet for , but he died for us even before we came to Him - while we were yet sinners! This is the kind of that we have to extend to those who have hurt us.
Now don't get me wrong, everybody experiences emotional pain in different ways, and they may have hurt you in physical ways as well. But what God requires of us is heart or spirit of towards those who have hurt us.
There have been times in my personal life when people have hurt me.
And I, by the of God, went to them and asked them for . It didn't mean that I was the one in fault, but the Lord wanted to use me to help them understand that this is what they can expect when they come to Christ; that they can overcome the hurt and the pains of the past, even when they weren't in the wrong. Sometimes you have to help people along because sometimes the people who hurt you don't even know that there was a situation that hurt you.
Romans 15:1-4 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
I know it may be hard at times to believe that sometimes people don't even know that they've hurt us because they're so steeped in their own world that they don't even see the effect that they're having on other people. But, the Lord may lead you to bring the situation to them. Sometimes it's to help them see beyond themselves so that they can see the impact their actions have on others.
Matthew18:15-17 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.16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
You see, this work of is not about you getting them to do what they're supposed to do, but it's about you doing what you're supposed to do, and leaving the vengeance to God.
For in fact, Scripture says that Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord. And So is a work of God. It's an extension of the of God through your life as a believer, and so this is not something that you as a human being can do. It is only something that you by the of God can do. And you can receive this to others by meditating on the scriptures. When you meditate on the scriptures, you enter into the mind of Christ, when you enter into the mind of Christ you receive the of God to do what he has been able to do, and that's to those who hurt him.
The Lord was on the cross and yet He said them Lord for they know not what they do. Weren't they crucifying Him? Didn't they set out to kill him? Weren't they the ones putting Him to death, even when they knew that the man didn't commit any Yes, they continued in their unjustified activity.
But He still forgave them!
And likewise, you are to even when you're not in wrong, and even when it hurts, and even when the people know that they're doing wrong, but still do evil.
Does this mean keeping close company and friendship with people who treat you poorly over and over? No.. The Lord said not to throw your pearls before swine. So in unique cases you are to weigh your options against the totality of Scripture when making a decision on whether to keep close company, but forgiveness doesn't mean you place yourself in a position to be destroyed, it just means that you release those who do wrong from the prison of injustice that you held them in, giving God the opportunity to make avenge you as He sees fit.
You are to . Why? Because God in Christ forgave you!
References
Brown, R. P., & Enright, R. D. (2008). Forgiveness and health: Conceptual and empirical connections. In E. L. Worthington (Ed.), Handbook of Forgiveness (pp. 429–440). Routledge.
Fincham, F. D., Hall, J. H., & Beach, S. R. H. (2006). Forgiveness in marriage: Current status and future directions. Family Relations, 55(4), 415–427.
Lawler, K. A., Younger, J. W., Piferi, R. L., Jobe, R. L., Edmondson, K. A., & Jones, W. H. (2005). The unique effects of forgiveness on health: An exploration of pathways. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(2), 157–167.
Lawler, K. A., Thye, S. R., & Piferi, R. L. (2003). Forgiveness and immune function in healthy adults. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65(1), 110–115.
McCullough, M. E., Pargament, K. I., & Thoresen, C. E. (2001). Forgiveness: Theory, research, and practice. Guilford Press.
Toussaint, L., & Webb, J. R. (2005). The influence of forgiveness on physical and mental health: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(4), 449–472.
Toussaint, L., Shields, G. S., Dorn, G., & Slavich, G. M. (2016). Effects of lifetime stress exposure on mental and physical health: The role of forgiveness. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(7), 1144–1154.
Toussaint, L., Worthington, E. L., & Williams, D. R. (2012). Forgiveness and health: Empirical pathways. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 19(1), 49–59.
Worthington, E. L., Jr., Witvliet, C. V., Pietrini, P., & Miller, A. J. (2007). Forgiveness, health, and well-being: A review of evidence for emotional versus decisional forgiveness, dispositional forgivingness, and reduced unforgiveness. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(4), 291–302.
Harvard Medical School. (2016). Sleep and emotional health: Forgiveness interventions improve sleep quality. Harvard Health Publishing.
