VERSES ABOUT FORGIVENESS

Forgiving others brings such freedom. It's like taking off a heavy backpack you've been carrying for way too long. There's a real beauty to forgiveness, and anyone who's experienced both giving and receiving it knows what I mean. God is our ultimate example, right? He shows us how it's done and calls us to practice it every single day.

So, I encourage you to forgive, just as Christ forgives you – every single day. It's time to let go and be free. Let's be real, in this life, someone is bound to hurt or offend you. But even then, we're called to learn to forgive and love again. Get that bitterness out of your system. Trust me, it'll help you grow and move forward. It'll even strengthen your relationship with God.

As children of God, we rejoice because we've received forgiveness for our sins through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. But it's important to remember that just as we've been forgiven, our hearts need to be ready to forgive others. Mark 11:25¹ says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." As long as we repent and are faithful in forgiving others, God will completely forgive us. And that's when we can truly have a fresh start!

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you

“But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.

Instead, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head”.

“If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.

Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing.

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?”Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times.

Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.

Don’t pay back evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, give blessing in return. You were called to do this so that you might inherit a blessing.

When your enemies fall, don’t rejoice. When they stumble, don’t let your heart be glad,

If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink.By doing this, you will heap burning coals on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.

Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.

“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.

But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Those who say, “I love God” and hate their brothers or sisters are liars. After all, those who don’t love their brothers or sisters whom they have seen can hardly love God whom they have not seen!This commandment we have from him: Those who claim to love God ought to love their brother and sister also.

Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people.

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant,it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints,it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth.Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.

Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children.Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.

Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, “Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord”.

As far as east is from west— that’s how far God has removed our sin from us.

Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.

Hate stirs up conflict, but love covers all offenses.

Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil.Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well.

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong.

Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.

For this reason, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.

Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone—and holiness as well, because no one will see the Lord without it.Make sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people.

One who seeks love conceals an offense, but one who repeats it divides friends.

Watch yourselves! If your brother or sister sins, warn them to stop. If they change their hearts and lives, forgive them.Even if someone sins against you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I am changing my ways,’ you must forgive that person.”

So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory.

And whenever you stand up to pray, if you have something against anyone, forgive so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your wrongdoings.”

Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.

“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.

Insightful people restrain their anger; their glory is to ignore an offense.

Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.You’ll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you.

because, my Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of faithful love for all those who cry out to you.

Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else.

This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Love doesn’t do anything wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is what fulfills the Law.

Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.

When people draw favor from the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.

So now there isn’t any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you.

Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’

A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.

Let go of anger and leave rage behind! Don’t get upset—it will only lead to evil.

When he was insulted, he did not reply with insults. When he suffered, he did not threaten revenge. Instead, he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.

We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.

Turn away from evil! Do good! Seek peace and go after it!

All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation.In other words, God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ, by not counting people’s sins against them. He has trusted us with this message of reconciliation.

However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace!

“And I won’t remember their sins ” “and their lawless behavior anymore.”

“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if you don’t forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

God’s slave shouldn’t be argumentative but should be kind toward all people, able to teach, patient,and should correct opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will change their mind and give them a knowledge of the truth.

“Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

If we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son while we were still enemies, now that we have been reconciled, how much more certain is it that we will be saved by his life?

They continued to question him, so he stood up and replied, “Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone.”

“They should shun evil and do good; ” “seek peace and chase after it. ”

Fools reveal their anger right away, but the shrewd hide their contempt.

Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love,

Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.

We work hard with our own hands. When we are insulted, we respond with a blessing; when we are harassed, we put up with it;

“The LORD is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.

And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.

But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God.

“because I will be lenient toward their unjust actions, ” “and I won’t remember their sins anymore.”

Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted too.

Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Kind persons benefit themselves, but cruel people harm themselves.

Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ,

But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language.

A good person produces good from the good treasury of the inner self, while an evil person produces evil from the evil treasury of the inner self. The inner self overflows with words that are spoken.

“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.

The person loving a brother and sister stays in the light, and there is nothing in the light that causes a person to stumble.But the person who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and lives in the darkness, and doesn’t know where to go because the darkness blinds the eyes.The one who claims to be in the light while hating a brother or sister is in the darkness even now.

Those who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.

So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.

Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness.

No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends.

We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace,

You were called to this kind of endurance, because Christ suffered on your behalf. He left you an example so that you might follow in his footsteps.He committed no sin, nor did he ever speak in ways meant to deceive.When he was insulted, he did not reply with insults. When he suffered, he did not threaten revenge. Instead, he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.

So every single one of you who judge others is without any excuse. You condemn yourself when you judge another person because the one who is judging is doing the same things.

“Look, I’m sending you as sheep among wolves. Therefore, be wise as snakes and innocent as doves.

May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone in the same way as we also love you.May the love cause your hearts to be strengthened, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his people. Amen.

First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.Pray for kings and everyone who is in authority so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life in complete godliness and dignity.

For “those who want to love life ” “and see good days ” “should keep their tongue from evil speaking ” “and their lips from speaking lies. ”“They should shun evil and do good; ” “seek peace and chase after it. ”

If you forgive anyone for anything, I do too. And whatever I’ve forgiven (if I’ve forgiven anything), I did it for you in the presence of Christ.This is so that we won’t be taken advantage of by Satan, because we are well aware of his schemes.

In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives.

“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’

We who are powerful need to be patient with the weakness of those who don’t have power, and not please ourselves.Each of us should please our neighbors for their good in order to build them up.

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.

Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good.

He responded, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Everything should be done in love.

If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet.I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.

In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.

In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble.Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day.

Keep loving each other like family.Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it.

All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.

Finally, brothers and sisters, good-bye. Put things in order, respond to my encouragement, be in harmony with each other, and live in peace—and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?As it is written, “We are being put to death all day long for your sake. ” “We are treated like sheep for slaughter.” But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us.

Don’t say, “I’ll repay the evildoer!” Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.

My little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you don’t sin. But if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.

“Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.

Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? Don’t you know that you have the Holy Spirit from God, and you don’t belong to yourselves?You have been bought and paid for, so honor God with your body.

Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.

Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me.The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me.

There will be no mercy in judgment for anyone who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy overrules judgment.

He said, “Father, if it’s your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not my will but your will must be done.”

So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up,and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

Don’t be deceived, bad company corrupts good character.

So what are we going to say? Should we continue sinning so grace will multiply?Absolutely not! All of us died to sin. How can we still live in it?

I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.

I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit.I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love,

Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.

What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?”Then the legal expert said, “The one who demonstrated mercy toward him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

God caused the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for our sake so that through him we could become the righteousness of God.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet.You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden.

From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace;

I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us.If we know that he listens to whatever we ask, we know that we have received what we asked from him.

The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing.He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters;he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name.

As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly.

and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together.

Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.

Instead, regard Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it.

People brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a cot. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man who was paralyzed, “Be encouraged, my child, your sins are forgiven.”

God is spirit, and it is necessary to worship God in spirit and truth.”

We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God;

“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

So, faith comes from listening, but it’s listening by means of Christ’s message.

We know that everyone born from God does not sin, but the ones born from God guard themselves, and the evil one cannot touch them.

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light.Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth.

But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance,endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.

My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.

Those with sound thoughts you will keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence.Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.

All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory,

Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose.

Prayer