71 Inspirational Bible Verses About Forgiving Others

The riches of God's grace and mercy are truly immeasurable, and these Bible verses about forgiving others remind us of the freedom found in releasing bitterness and resentment. If Jesus Christ died on the cross to forgive your sins, then by His strength, you can learn to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged you. God is merciful and good—all the time.

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet transformative commands in all of Scripture. Sometimes, you want to stay angry forever at those who have hurt you. You want to remember their sins and replay every wrong your enemies have done. But this cycle only creates more pain and suffering in your own heart. Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus Himself teaches us:

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us

If your Father in Heaven could forgive you for all the evil you've committed, can you find it in your heart to forgive other people? In Matthew 18:22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times to forgive someone, the answer is stunning:

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Jesus isn't giving us a mathematical limit—He's calling us to a lifestyle of unlimited, gracious forgiveness. In today's Bible reading plan, we will dive deep into 71 powerful Bible verses about God's forgiveness and forgiving others. We will see that God in Christ forgave us of our trespasses and calls us to do the same for those around us. If you're struggling with unforgiveness today, let these Scriptures wash over your heart and renew your mind.

Read more: Bible Verses About Forgiving Yourself

Encouraging Bible Verses on Forgiveness

The Bible is filled with passages that speak to the beauty and necessity of forgiveness. These verses from the Psalms, Prophets, and New Testament reveal that forgiveness is central to who God is—and who He calls us to be. As you meditate on these Scriptures, ask the Holy Spirit to soften any hardened areas of your heart. If you're new to Christian meditation, reflecting deeply on these verses is a powerful way to begin.

1. Psalms 32:1 KJV

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2. Ephesians 4:26 KJV

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

3. Psalms 130:4 KJV

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

4. Daniel 9:9 KJV

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

5. Matthew 5:44 KJV

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

6. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

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.

7. Luke 6:37 KJV

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

8. Hebrews 10:17 KJV

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

9. Luke 1:37 KJV

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

10. Proverbs 28:13 KJV

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Bible Verses About God's Forgiveness and Mercy

One of the most beautiful truths in Scripture is that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. His forgiveness is complete, total, and transformative. When we truly understand the depth of mercy we have received through Christ, forgiving others becomes not just possible but natural. These verses highlight the incredible scope of God's forgiveness and how it should inspire us to extend grace to others. If you're wrestling with anxiety or hurt from past wounds, these prayers for anxiety and depression may also bring you comfort alongside these Scriptures.

11. 1 John 1:9 KJV

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

12. Colossians 1:14 KJV

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

13. Exodus 4:12 KJV

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

14. Matthew 6:13 KJV

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

15. Isaiah 1:18 KJV

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.

16. Luke 6:38 KJV

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

17. Acts 17:30 KJV

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

18. 1 John 4:11 KJV

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

19. Mark 4:24 KJV

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

20. Daniel 10:12 KJV

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Scripture on Letting Go of Bitterness and Resentment

Unforgiveness often manifests as bitterness, resentment, and even a desire for revenge. The Word of God addresses these temptations directly, calling us to release our grudges and trust the Lord with justice. Letting go doesn't mean what happened to you was acceptable—it means you're choosing to hand the burden over to God. These Bible verses about forgiving others remind us that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and our role is to walk in love and mercy.

21. Genesis 1:5 KJV

And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

22. Proverbs 20:22 KJV

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

23. Luke 17:4 KJV

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

24. Matthew 5:7 KJV

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

25. Mark 11:25 KJV

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.

26. Colossians 3:12 KJV

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

27. Matthew 26:28 KJV

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

28. Isaiah 55:7 KJV

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.

29. Psalms 86:5 KJV

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

30. Luke 17:3 KJV

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Bible Verses About Forgiving Others in Relationships

Forgiveness plays a vital role in every relationship—whether between spouses, family members, friends, or fellow believers. The Bible teaches that love and forgiveness go hand in hand. Without forgiveness, relationships crumble under the weight of past offenses. These Scriptures encourage us to extend grace in our closest relationships, following the example of Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us. For more on how God's love transforms our relationships, explore these Bible verses about God's love.

31. Ephesians 5:25 KJV

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

32. Matthew 6:14 KJV

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

33. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 KJV

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

34. Isaiah 43:25 KJV

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

35. Proverbs 15:1 KJV

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

36. Matthew 7:2 KJV

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

37. Romans 12:19 KJV

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

38. Colossians 3:13 KJV

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

39. Matthew 6:5 KJV

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

40. John 8:7 KJV

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Verses on Overcoming Evil With Good Through Forgiveness

One of the most radical teachings of Jesus is the call to overcome evil with good. Rather than seeking revenge or holding grudges, believers are called to respond to hatred with love and to injury with blessing. This section of Scripture challenges us to rise above our natural instincts and operate in the supernatural power of forgiveness. When we choose to forgive, we break the cycle of hurt and allow God's healing power to work—both in us and in those who have wronged us. For more on trusting God through difficult seasons, read these Bible verses about faith and trust.

41. Romans 12:20 KJV

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

42. Psalms 32:5 KJV

I acknowledged 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.

43. 1 Peter 4:8 KJV

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

44. Proverbs 17:9 KJV

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

45. Ephesians 5:3 KJV

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

46. Luke 23:34 KJV

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

47. Proverbs 10:12 KJV

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

48. 1 Peter 3:9 KJV

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

49. 1 John 2:12 KJV

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

50. Colossians 2:13 KJV

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Bible Verses About Confession, Repentance, and Forgiving Others

Forgiveness and repentance are deeply connected throughout Scripture. God calls us to confess our own sins while also being willing to forgive those who confess and repent before us. True forgiveness often requires humility on both sides—the humility to admit wrongdoing and the humility to release the offense. These verses remind us that confession leads to healing, and that the prayer of a righteous person carries incredible power.

51. Proverbs 24:11 KJV

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

52. James 5:16 KJV

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.

53. Colossians 1:20 KJV

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

54. Luke 6:27 KJV

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

55. 1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

56. 1 Peter 3:7 KJV

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

57. Matthew 6:15 KJV

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

58. Mark 12:31 KJV

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

59. Ephesians 1:7 KJV

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

60. Ephesians 4:32 KJV

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

Powerful Verses on Redemption and New Beginnings Through Forgiveness

The beauty of forgiveness is that it opens the door to new beginnings. When God forgives us, He doesn't just wipe the slate clean—He makes us entirely new creations in Christ. The same is true when we forgive others: old wounds can begin to heal, broken relationships can be restored, and the heavy chains of bitterness fall away. These final verses celebrate the redemptive power of forgiveness and point us toward the hope and freedom found only in Jesus Christ. If you're looking for healing in other areas of your life, you may also find encouragement in these Bible verses about healing sickness.

61. Matthew 6:12 KJV

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

62. Psalms 16:6 KJV

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

63. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

64. John 14:6 KJV

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

65. Acts 2:38 KJV

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.

66. Acts 3:19 KJV

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;

67. Romans 5:10 KJV

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

68. Matthew 18:35 KJV

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

69. Hebrews 8:12 KJV

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

70. 2 Corinthians 2:10 KJV

To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

71. Psalms 103:12 KJV

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

How to Practice Forgiveness Through Prayer and Meditation

Reading these Bible verses about forgiving others is a wonderful first step, but true transformation happens when we take God's Word from our minds into our hearts. Here are a few practical ways to let these Scriptures shape your daily life:

Pray for those who have hurt you. Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:44 to pray for those who persecute us. This doesn't mean the pain wasn't real—it means you're entrusting justice to God and choosing freedom over bitterness.

Meditate on Scripture daily. Choose one or two of the verses from this list and spend time reflecting on them throughout your day. Christian meditation is a powerful practice that helps God's Word take root in your heart and transform the way you think and respond to others.

Confess your unforgiveness to God. If you're holding onto resentment, bring it honestly before the Lord. He already knows what's in your heart, and He is faithful to help you release it. As 1 John 1:9 promises, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us.

Be patient with yourself. Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. You may need to choose forgiveness again and again—and that's okay. Remember Jesus' words about forgiving seventy times seven. His grace is sufficient for you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about forgiving others who hurt you?

The Bible is clear that Christians are called to forgive others, even when it's difficult. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul writes that we should be kind and tenderhearted, "forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Jesus Himself modeled this on the cross when He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Forgiving others is not about excusing their behavior—it's about releasing the burden of bitterness and trusting God with justice.

How many times should you forgive someone according to the Bible?

In Matthew 18:22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive not just seven times, but "seventy times seven." This doesn't mean 490 is the limit—Jesus is teaching that forgiveness should be unlimited and ongoing. As believers, we are called to extend the same boundless grace that God has shown to us, no matter how many times someone wrongs us.

Is it a sin to not forgive someone?

Jesus addresses this directly in Matthew 6:15, saying, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." While God understands that forgiveness can be a difficult process, Scripture makes it clear that holding onto unforgiveness is a serious matter. Choosing not to forgive can hinder your prayers and create a barrier in your relationship with God.

How can I forgive someone when I still feel hurt?

Forgiveness is first and foremost a decision of the will, not a feeling. You can choose to forgive someone even while the emotional pain is still present. Over time, as you pray for those who have hurt you and meditate on God's Word, the Holy Spirit will bring healing to your emotions. Many believers find that Christian meditation on forgiveness Scriptures helps them process pain and experience God's peace in a deeper way.

What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?

Forgiveness is a one-sided act—you can forgive someone even if they never acknowledge what they did or ask for your forgiveness. Reconciliation, on the other hand, requires both parties to work toward rest