25+ Bible Verses About Forgiveness

1 - Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Explanation: God’s forgiveness of us in Christ serves as a model, encouraging us to show kindness and forgiveness to others.

2 - Matthew 6:14-15
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Explanation: Forgiving others is essential, as it reflects the forgiveness God has shown to us.

3 - Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Explanation: We are called to forgive others in the same way that God has graciously forgiven us.

4 - 1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Explanation: When we confess, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us, restoring our relationship with Him.

5 - Matthew 18:21-22
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"

Explanation: Jesus emphasizes limitless forgiveness, encouraging us to continually forgive without keeping count.

6 - Luke 6:37
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Explanation: Forgiveness brings freedom from judgment, highlighting the importance of mercy over condemnation.

7 - Psalm 103:12
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Explanation: God’s forgiveness is complete and infinite, removing our sins far from us.

8 - Mark 11:25
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Explanation: God encourages us to forgive others when we pray, keeping our hearts free from bitterness.

9 - Proverbs 17:9
"Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."

Explanation: Forgiveness promotes love and unity, while harboring grievances causes division.

10 - Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us settle the matter,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Explanation: God invites us to receive His forgiveness, promising to cleanse us completely.

11 - Psalm 86:5
"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you."

Explanation: God is eager to forgive and shows boundless love to those who seek Him.

12 - Matthew 5:23-24
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."

Explanation: Reconciliation with others is important to God, encouraging us to resolve conflicts before worship.

13 - Romans 12:19
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."

Explanation: Forgiveness involves letting go of revenge, trusting God to bring justice in His time.

14 - Micah 7:18
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."

Explanation: God’s nature is merciful, delighting in forgiveness rather than holding onto anger.

15 - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
"Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."

Explanation: Forgiveness protects us from bitterness, which the enemy could use to disrupt unity.

16 - Hebrews 8:12
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Explanation: God not only forgives but also chooses to forget our sins, offering us a fresh start.

17 - Ephesians 1:7
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

Explanation: Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we receive forgiveness, a gift of God’s abundant grace.

18 - Luke 23:34
"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."

Explanation: Even in His suffering, Jesus forgave His persecutors, setting a powerful example of mercy.

19 - Daniel 9:9
"The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him."

Explanation: God’s forgiveness is offered freely, even to those who have turned away from Him.

20 - 1 Peter 4:8
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Explanation: Love leads us to forgive, allowing us to overlook offenses and maintain unity.

21 - Acts 3:19
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

Explanation: Repentance brings forgiveness, offering a refreshing renewal from God.

22 - Matthew 18:33
"Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?"

Explanation: Jesus reminds us to show mercy to others, just as we have received mercy from God.

23 - Romans 3:23-24
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Explanation: All of us need forgiveness, and God freely offers it through Jesus Christ.

24 - Psalm 32:1
"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

Explanation: Forgiveness brings blessing and freedom from the weight of sin.

25 - Matthew 6:12
"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

Explanation: Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness while also forgiving others, emphasizing reciprocity in forgiveness.

26 - Isaiah 55:7
"Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."

Explanation: God promises forgiveness and mercy to those who turn to Him, no matter their past.

27 - 2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Explanation: God’s forgiveness and healing come when we turn to Him in humility and repentance.

28 - Nehemiah 9:17
"They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them."

Explanation: Despite rebellion, God remains forgiving and compassionate, showing patience and love.

29 - Luke 17:3-4
"If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them."

Explanation: Jesus encourages repeated forgiveness, showing that genuine repentance should always be met with mercy.

30 - Psalm 130:3-4
"If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you."

Explanation: God’s forgiveness gives us a chance to serve Him with gratitude, free from the burden of sin.