Bible Verses About Forgiveness

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

"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."

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."

"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."

"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."

"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."

What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Forgiveness lies at the very heart of the gospel. God's forgiveness of our sins through Christ is the foundation of our faith, and our willingness to forgive others is the evidence of it. Key King James Version passages include Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, 1 John 1:9. This page collects 10 KJV verses about forgiveness, each quoted in full.

How many times should I forgive someone?

Jesus told Peter to forgive 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22), meaning forgiveness should be unlimited. This doesn't mean tolerating abuse, but it means releasing bitterness and entrusting justice to God.

Does forgiving someone mean I have to trust them again?

Forgiveness and trust are different. Forgiveness is a decision to release resentment; trust must be rebuilt through consistent behavior over time. You can forgive someone and still set healthy boundaries.

What if I can't feel forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. The feelings often follow the choice, sometimes gradually. Every time the old hurt resurfaces, recommit to your decision to forgive. Jesus said to forgive 'seventy times seven' — this may mean forgiving the same offense repeatedly as painful memories return.

Does forgiving someone mean I must reconcile with them?

Forgiveness and reconciliation are related but distinct. Forgiveness releases bitterness and is commanded (Ephesians 4:32), but reconciliation requires repentance and changed behavior from both parties. Sometimes wisdom demands maintaining boundaries even after genuinely forgiving an offender.

What is the main Bible teaching about forgiveness?

Biblical forgiveness begins with God's mercy toward sinners and then reshapes how believers treat one another. Ephesians 4:32 joins both movements: “forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Forgiveness does not call evil good or remove every earthly consequence. It releases personal vengeance to God, tells the truth about the wrong, and refuses to make resentment a permanent master.