Struggling to let go? “7 Bible Verses About Forgiveness” show how God’s mercy empowers us to release pain and walk in freedom.
7 Bible Verses About Forgiveness
We’ve all been there—hurt, betrayed, and struggling to let go. Forgiveness isn’t easy, especially when wounds run deep. But holding onto unforgiveness only traps us in pain. God calls us to something better. He doesn’t ask us to ignore our hurt, but to release it to Him.
Forgiveness is freedom. It’s not about excusing wrongs but choosing grace over bitterness. Through Scripture, God shows us how to forgive as He forgave us. Let’s dive in and discover His heart for forgiveness together.
1. Ephesians 4:32
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
A. Explanation
Paul reminds us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God forgave us in Christ. Forgiveness isn’t optional—it reflects God’s grace at work in us. Holding grudges creates bitterness, but releasing them opens our hearts to healing and peace. God’s forgiveness fuels ours.
God doesn’t forgive us begrudgingly. His mercy overflows. We’re called to do the same, offering forgiveness freely. It’s not about excusing sin but about showing grace. Forgiving others doesn’t mean ignoring wrongdoing; it means entrusting justice to God while embracing His love.
B. Application
Think about a time someone hurt you deeply. That pain is real, but so is God’s call to forgive. Forgiveness isn’t saying what they did was okay; it’s saying you won’t let it lock you into resentment. It sets you free.
We forgive because we are forgiven. Imagine how different your relationships would be if you forgave as Christ forgave you. Holding onto anger blocks joy, but releasing it invites peace. Forgiveness is a daily choice, but it’s one that brings life.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t wait to feel like forgiving—act in obedience. Avoid using forgiveness as leverage but extend grace even when it’s undeserved, just as God does.
2. 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)
A. Explanation
God is faithful and just to forgive when we confess. He doesn’t withhold grace or make us earn it. Confession isn’t about informing God—it’s about aligning our hearts with His truth. Acknowledging our sin brings freedom, not condemnation.
Forgiveness isn’t based on our ability to make things right but on God’s character. He is faithful, which means He never changes His mind about forgiving us. He is just, meaning sin’s penalty has been paid in Christ. Confession releases the weight of sin.
B. Application
Be honest with God. Don’t sugarcoat sin or justify it. He already knows, but confession opens the door for healing. When we hide sin, it festers; when we confess it, we experience His cleansing grace.
Forgiving others starts with understanding how much we’ve been forgiven. If God doesn’t hold your past against you, why hold onto someone else’s wrongs? Let confession be a rhythm of grace in your life.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t delay confession out of fear or pride. Avoid minimizing sin and trust in God’s faithfulness and let His grace renew you.
3. Jeremiah 31:34
“No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34)
A. Explanation
God promises to remember our sins no more. This doesn’t mean He forgets but that He chooses not to hold them against us. His forgiveness is permanent and complete. Unlike people, God doesn’t bring up past failures. He removes them as far as the east is from the west.
This is the beauty of the New Covenant. Through Christ, we don’t just receive a second chance; we receive a new identity. God’s forgiveness is a radical act of love that restores us completely.
B. Application
If God doesn’t bring up your past, why do you? Stop replaying past mistakes. Live in the freedom He gives. His forgiveness isn’t partial—it’s total. Walk in the joy of being fully known and fully loved.
Forgive others the same way. Don’t keep a record of wrongs. Holding onto past hurts only weighs you down. Release them and trust God to bring justice in His time. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting—it’s about choosing love over bitterness.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t keep revisiting what God has erased. Avoid using past sins as weapons against others and rest in His complete forgiveness and extend it freely.
4. Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)
A. Explanation
David experienced the heavy burden of unconfessed sin. When he kept silent, he suffered, but when he confessed, he found freedom. Sin left unchecked drains us spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. But confession brings immediate relief and restoration.
God is not reluctant to forgive—He is eager. When we bring our failures to Him, He meets us with mercy. Holding onto sin only hurts us. Confession isn’t about punishment; it’s about releasing what keeps us from God’s presence.
B. Application
Are you carrying guilt that you haven’t confessed? Let it go. Tell God the truth. His grace is bigger than your failures. Confession isn’t about groveling—it’s about stepping into the light of His love.
When others confess to you, respond with grace. Don’t make them earn your forgiveness. Just as God freely forgives, offer the same to those who seek it.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t ignore conviction. Avoid holding onto guilt that Jesus already paid for and confess and embrace the joy of restored fellowship with God.
5. Psalm 86:5
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.” (Psalm 86:5)
A. Explanation
God is good, ready to forgive, and abounding in love. His mercy isn’t scarce—it overflows. He doesn’t forgive reluctantly but eagerly. His nature is to extend grace.
God’s goodness means we never have to doubt His willingness to forgive. He invites us to come to Him, no matter how far we’ve fallen.
B. Application
When you feel unworthy, remember God is more ready to forgive than you are to ask. His love isn’t earned; it’s given freely.
Reflect His heart in your own life. Be quick to forgive, not withholding grace. Let your life display God’s abundant mercy.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t let fear keep you from seeking God’s forgiveness. Avoid being slow to forgive others and seek to reflect His love in how you forgive.
6. Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22)
A. Explanation
Peter thought he was being generous when he asked Jesus if forgiving someone seven times was enough. But Jesus responded with “seventy-seven times,” meaning forgiveness should be unlimited. God’s grace toward us has no cap, so neither should our forgiveness toward others.
True forgiveness isn’t about keeping count; it’s about cultivating a heart of mercy. Jesus teaches that forgiving isn’t just an occasional act—it’s a lifestyle. Just as God doesn’t limit His mercy toward us, we must extend grace continually, reflecting His boundless love.
B. Application
Are you setting limits on how many times you’ll forgive someone? Jesus calls us to forgive repeatedly, just as He forgives us. Let go of resentment and practice grace as a way of life.
Unforgiveness wears down your soul. It’s exhausting to carry past hurts. By forgiving, you’re not excusing sin—you’re releasing yourself from the burden of bitterness and trusting God to handle justice.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t keep a forgiveness scoreboard. Avoid saying, “I’ve forgiven enough.” Seek to choose grace over grudges, reflecting God’s never-ending mercy toward you.
7. Luke 23:34
“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'” (Luke 23:34)
A. Explanation
As Jesus hung on the cross, suffering unjustly, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This is radical forgiveness. Instead of anger or revenge, Jesus interceded for those who crucified Him. His love extended even to His enemies.
Jesus’ words show the depth of God’s grace. If He could forgive in His deepest pain, how much more should we forgive those who hurt us? His example reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about others deserving it—it’s about reflecting God’s mercy.
B. Application
Think about someone who has wronged you. Have you prayed for them? Jesus prayed for His enemies. Start by asking God to soften your heart.
Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s powerful. When you release others, you experience freedom. Don’t let past hurts control you—follow Jesus’ example and choose grace over resentment.
C. Wise Counsel
Don’t wait for others to apologize. Avoid holding onto bitterness and pray for those who hurt you and let God work through your forgiveness.
Conclusion
Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. If we wait until we “feel” ready, we may never do it. But when we step out in faith, God meets us with His grace, bringing healing where pain once lived.
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting—it means trusting God with the hurt. His mercy toward us is endless, so we must extend the same to others. As we live out these 7 Bible Verses About Forgiveness, we’ll find freedom, peace, and a heart that reflects Christ.
Source Material
Total Forgiveness by R.T Kendall
Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness by Jenny Cook with Stanley C. Baldwin
The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
The Peace Making Pastor by Alfred Poirier
Psalms: An Expositional Commentary (3 Volume Set) by James Montgomery Boice