How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible? Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Key verse: Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Forgiveness is a central command of the Christian life. Jesus taught, '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). This doesn't mean our salvation depends on works, but that a forgiven heart naturally forgives others. When Peter asked how many times to forgive — suggesting seven — Jesus responded, 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22), meaning without limit. Ephesians 4:32 provides the model: 'Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.' Forgiveness does not mean the offense didn't matter or that there are no consequences. It means releasing the desire for personal vengeance and trusting God's justice. It is not primarily a feeling but a choice — a decision to obey God even when emotions resist. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. By forgiving, we free ourselves and honor the God who forgave us infinitely more.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
What the Bible teaches about forgiving others, receiving God's forgiveness, and letting go of bitterness.
Key Scripture References
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
"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."
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ephesians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ephesians on day 339 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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