Forgiveness in the Bible: How to Find Freedom Through Letting Go

One of the most important things that the Bible teaches us is that we must be prepared to forgive others and ourselves always. Forgiving and being forgiven is part of the path that God has intended for us. But what is biblical forgiveness, and why is it so important in the eyes of God? We’ll explore this in our article.

What is Forgiveness in the Bible?

Each of us has experienced pain at some point. On occasion, we relent and let go of grudges. On other occasions, we harbor resentment and animosity. To forgive another person or to be forgiven by another person is to practice biblical forgiveness, as taught in the Bible. Abandoning one's sins is the very definition of forgiveness. 

That includes, according to the Bible, forgiving everyone, all the time, for everything, as a way to show gratitude and obedience to God. Restoring the relationship between God and man is the goal of this sacrifice, which God accomplished through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

To forgive is not to excuse, forget, allow the offender to commit the same sin again, or provide a guarantee of reconciliation.

Forgiveness of Sins in the Bible

The Bible identifies blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the one and only sin that cannot be forgiven. Let's explain this statement, which appears daunting at first.

Knowing Jesus as Lord and rejecting his teachings and offer of forgiveness is the one and only sin that cannot be forgiven. It can never be forgiven since it shows that you do not believe in His power to forgive you. By calling into question the veracity of the Holy Spirit's testimony of Jesus, you are committing blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, God will not forgive you if you reject the Holy Spirit's witness and refuse to embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you don't want to take a gift, he won't make you. But if you confess your sins to Jesus, believe in his atoning sacrifice, and believe in the Holy Spirit's witness, then you will be saved.

It makes no difference how awful you think you are. Your personal evaluation of your goodness or wickedness has no bearing on your redemption; you were doomed from the start. All that is needed is a heart that is humble and repentant. Neither good nor bad may come out of your deeds.

Nevertheless, a warning. According to Romans 6, receiving Christ's resurrected body via atonement shouldn't make us sin more, but rather change us and make us wish to imitate Christ. We ought to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Also, out of love, we should pardon the sins of those who wronged us. Keep in mind all that God has done for you, and let go of whatever resentment or animosity you may have against other people. 

Where in the Bible Does it Talk About Forgiveness?

The Bible speaks extensively about forgiveness in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are some verses in the Bible about forgiveness:

Old Testament

1. Psalm 103:12 – "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
2. Isaiah 1:18 – "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
3. Micah 7:18-19 – "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."

New Testament

1. 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."
2. 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.’"
3. 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."
4. 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."
5. Luke 23:34 – "Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’" (As He was crucified)
6. Ephesians 4:31-32 – "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
7. 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."
8. 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."

Importance of Forgiveness in the Bible

Forgiveness brings a lot of positive things into our lives. Let’s look at 10 reasons why it’s important to forgive, as the Bible encourages us to.

1. Forgiveness Promotes Healing

Forgiveness is more than just letting go of resentment—it’s an act of obedience to God. The Bible makes it clear that if we want to be forgiven, we must also forgive others:

"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." (Matthew 6:14-15)

When we choose forgiveness, we open the door for God to work in our hearts. Holding onto bitterness prevents us from experiencing true healing. God is the only one who can fully restore us, but when we refuse to forgive, we block His ability to heal our hearts. True healing requires surrender, and forgiveness is an essential step in that process.

2. Forgiveness Eases Stress and Anxiety

Studies have shown that stress and anxiety are linked to a wide range of health problems, from high blood pressure to insomnia. Unforgiveness creates ongoing stress, keeping us in a constant state of tension. It triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which negatively impacts our mental and physical well-being.

Letting go of resentment doesn’t just improve relationships—it also helps improve our overall health. Forgiveness leads to peace, which allows us to move forward without carrying the weight of anger and hurt.

3. Forgiveness Teaches Patience

Everyone faces struggles—financial hardship, relationship issues, work stress, or health problems. Often, people act out because they’re dealing with their own pain. That’s why patience is so essential.

Paul reminded the Ephesians to be patient and to love one another despite their flaws:

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2)

When we learn to forgive, we cultivate patience and grace toward others. It helps us respond to difficult people with kindness instead of reacting with frustration. Over time, this makes us more like Christ.

4. Forgiveness Allows Spiritual Growth

Choosing to forgive is a sign of spiritual maturity. It’s not about ignoring wrongdoing but about surrendering the desire for revenge and letting God take control. When we forgive, we demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Growth happens when we let go of past hurts and focus on becoming who God wants us to be.

5. Forgiveness Brings Blessings

Holding onto anger damages our relationship with God and others. It weighs us down emotionally and spiritually, creating an invisible barrier between us and the peace we desire. Forgiving, on the other hand, brings freedom and blessings. It allows us to experience joy and build stronger relationships without the burden of bitterness.

As the saying goes, "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." The only person suffering from holding onto resentment is you.

6. Forgiveness Restores Relationships

Not every broken relationship will be fully repaired, but forgiveness is always possible. The goal of forgiveness isn’t necessarily reconciliation—it’s about freeing your heart from the burden of resentment. Even if the other person never changes, forgiving allows you to move forward without being trapped in the past.

Paul encouraged believers to be considerate of others’ struggles:

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." (Romans 15:1-2)

Forgiving doesn’t mean excusing hurtful actions, but it does mean choosing peace over conflict.

7. Forgiveness Frees You from the Past

Unforgiveness keeps you stuck in a cycle of pain. It ties you to the person who hurt you and makes it difficult to move forward. But choosing to forgive breaks those chains and gives you the freedom to live fully.

"And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:2)

Letting go of resentment allows you to walk in love, just as Christ did.

8. Forgiveness Teaches Humility

It’s easy to focus on how others have wronged us, but the truth is, we’ve all made mistakes. Forgiveness reminds us that we, too, need grace. It humbles us and helps us recognize that no one is perfect. When we forgive, we acknowledge that we’re no better than those who hurt us—we’re all in need of God’s mercy.

Jesus set the ultimate example when He forgave those who crucified Him:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

If Christ could forgive those who put Him on the cross, we can certainly forgive the people in our lives.

9. Forgiveness Strengthens Your Faith

Forgiveness requires faith. It’s an act of trusting that God will handle justice in His own way and timing. When we choose to forgive, we’re saying, "God, I trust You with this. I release this pain into Your hands."

The Bible reassures us that God is just:

"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." (Romans 12:19)

By choosing forgiveness, we deepen our faith and reliance on God’s justice rather than our own.

10. Forgiveness Brings Peace

There’s nothing more exhausting than holding onto anger. It drains your energy and keeps you in a constant state of tension. Forgiveness brings peace—not just in your heart but also in your mind and spirit.

Jesus Himself offered peace as a gift:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

When you choose to forgive, you’re choosing peace over conflict, freedom over bondage, and love over resentment. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Prayer for Forgiveness in the Bible

There will be times when you will find it harder to forgive. It’s normal, as letting go of our grudges is not always the easy thing to do. When you need encouragement, the best choice is to take the time to pray. Here is a prayer for forgiveness from Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church:

“Dear God...

We pray for the ability to forgive. Help us to let go of grudges and past hurts, and to extend grace to others. Forgiveness can be difficult, but we know it is necessary for our own peace and well-being. Guide us to find the strength to forgive, even when it is hard. We also ask for forgiveness for our own mistakes.

Thank you for your endless mercy and for teaching us the importance of forgiveness. Help us to forgive ourselves for our own shortcomings and failures, recognizing that we are all works in progress. May we seek to understand the perspectives and experiences of those who have wronged us, fostering empathy and compassion. Guide us to build bridges of reconciliation and to heal broken relationships with humility and grace.

We pray for those who struggle with the burden of unforgiveness. Help them to find freedom and peace through forgiveness. Thank you for the example of forgiveness you have shown us. Help us to follow in your footsteps and to practice forgiveness in our daily lives.

Amen.”

Conclusions

Just as Jesus Christ urged that we should be forgiven for what we did to him, it is our duty to forgive everything and everyone around us according to biblical teachings. This doesn’t mean that we enable bad behavior or that we allow people to hurt us, but that we choose to not hold animosity in our hearts and instead make our souls lighter through compassion and empathy.