What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a central theme of Scripture. God's character is revealed as merciful and forgiving throughout the Old Testament. In Christ, forgiveness reached its fullest expression — Jesus prayed for His executioners' forgiveness even from the cross. He taught that those who have been forgiven much should forgive others, illustrating this with the parable of the unforgiving servant. When Peter asked if forgiving seven times was enough, Jesus said seventy times seven — meaning without limit. Paul commanded believers to forgive one another 'even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.' Unforgiveness is consistently warned against as spiritually destructive.