Category
60 Bible verses about Forgiveness
When I truly repent and humble myself before God, I know He is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. It's through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross that I can receive this forgiveness. It's such a gift.
And you know, it makes me think about how God wants me to extend that same grace to others. He wants me to reflect His love to everyone around me, to be a reflection of Jesus in every moment. It's a challenge sometimes, but it's so important.
Forgiving others, I've found, is really about freeing myself. It's about healing those deep wounds and finding freedom from bitterness. It's not easy, but it's so worth it.
I want to practice gratitude and turn away from sin, coming to God with a repentant heart, knowing He will always forgive me. And hopefully, I can pay that forward and offer forgiveness just as freely as I've received it.
For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.
Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace
and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.
“ Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change]. [Matt 7:1-5]
Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, favored by God] is he whose transgression is forgiven, And whose sin is covered.
‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].
Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others].
bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.
So let it be clearly known by you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you;
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy]Spirit will not be forgiven.
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit [that is, whoever intentionally discredits the Holy Spirit by attributing the authenticating miracles done by Me to Satan], it will not be forgiven him [for him there is no forgiveness]. [Matt 12:31; Mark 3:28-30]
And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.
For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,in whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].
“For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will remember their sins no more.” [Jer 31:31-34]
For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our sins, sending them away, completely letting them go forever and ever]; And abundant in lovingkindness and overflowing in mercy to all those who call upon You.
and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Therefore God overlooked and disregarded the former ages of ignorance; but now He commands all people everywhere to repent [that is, to change their old way of thinking, to regret their past sins, and to seek God’s purpose for their lives],
So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day];
Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.
¶“Come now, and 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 be like wool.
“Blessed and happy and favored are those whose lawless acts have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered up and completely buried.“Blessed and happy and favored is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account nor charge against him.” [Ps 32:1, 2]
But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].
“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
If you forgive anyone anything, I too forgive [that one]; and what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of [and with the approval of] Christ,to keep Satan from taking advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [Deut 32:35]And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” [Prov 25:21, 22]
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.¶Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted and return to You.¶Rescue me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will sing joyfully of Your righteousness and Your justice.O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise.For You do not delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. [1 Sam 15:22]My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.¶By Your favor do good to Zion; May You rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.Then will You delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar.Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and guilt And cleanse me from my sin.
Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! If your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; and if he repents and changes, forgive him.It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. [Gen 18:20-33; 19:24, 25]On that day, whoever is on the housetop, with his belongings in the house, must not come down [and go inside] to take them out; and likewise whoever is in the field must not turn back.Remember [what happened to] Lot’s wife [when she looked back]! [Gen 19:26]Whoever seeks to save his life will [eventually] lose it [through death], and whoever loses his life [in this world] will keep it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. [Matt 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25]I tell you, on that night [when Messiah comes again] there will be two [sleeping] in one bed; the one (the non-believer) will be taken [away in judgment] and the other (the believer) will be left.There will be two women grinding [at the mill] together; the one (the non-believer) will be taken [away in judgment] and the other (the believer) will be left.[Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other will be left.”]And they asked Him, “Where, Lord?” He answered, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will be gathered.”Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him [that is, give up resentment and consider the offense recalled and annulled].”
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.
But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared and worshiped [with submissive wonder]. [Deut 10:12]
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.
for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins. [Ex 24:6-8]
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [Deut 32:35]
and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].
If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly, O Lord, who could stand [before you in judgment and claim innocence]? [Ps 143:2; Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16]But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared and worshiped [with submissive wonder]. [Deut 10:12]
¶“I, only I, am He who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.
I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] treat me like one of your hired men.” ’Both the Pharisees and the scribes began muttering and complaining, saying, “This man accepts and welcomes sinners and eats with them.”So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. [Ps 22:18]
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy. [Ps 32:3, 5; 1 John 1:8-10]
“And their sins and their lawless acts I will remember no more [no longer holding their sins against them].” [Jer 31:33, 34]
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe [for the guest of honor] and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand, and sandals for his feet. [Gen 41:42; Zech 3:4]And bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let us [invite everyone and] feast and celebrate;for this son of mine was [as good as] dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [Deut 32:35]And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” [Prov 25:21, 22]Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, favored by God] is he whose transgression is forgiven, And whose sin is covered.Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness.Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous [who actively seek right standing with Him]; Shout for joy, all you upright in heart.Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute wickedness, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. [Rom 4:7, 8]
Let the wicked leave (behind) his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion (mercy) on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful.
If you forgive the sins of anyone they are forgiven [because of their faith]; if you retain the sins of anyone, they are retained [and remain unforgiven because of their unbelief].”
Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (worldliness, manner of life), God made you alive together with Christ, having [freely] forgiven us all our sins,having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of legal demands [which were in force] against us and which were hostile to us. And this certificate He has set aside and completely removed by nailing it to the cross.
“ Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly].Or if he asks for a fish, will [instead] give him a snake?If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.“So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of]the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it.But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting]life, and there are few who find it. [Deut 30:19; Jer 21:8]“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [Ezek 22:27]By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? [Luke 6:43, 44]Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you.
Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].
since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
They brought to Him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a stretcher. Seeing their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], Jesus said to the paralytic, “Do not be afraid, son; your sins are forgiven [the penalty is paid, the guilt removed, and you are declared to be in right standing with God].” [Mark 2:3-12; Luke 5:18-26]
When Jesus saw their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven.”
It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.