What the Bible Tells Us About Forgiveness

Introduction.

When we don’t forgive others, it affects our relationship with God. God gives us his forgiveness freely and expects us to also give forgiveness to others. God is slow to anger, and we should be too. It does not make sense to withhold forgiveness and say our faith allows it. If you are struggling to forgive someone, pray and ask the spirit to give you discernment to understand what is happening. The best way to be a witness to God’s love and forgiveness is to forgive others. Forgiveness brings peace.

We know we should forgive others, but sometimes it is very hard. If you have kept your distance from a loved one, you probably have a good reason. We understand relationships are complicated. We are here to help you work through the challenges and help you decide if and when you should try to reconnect.

Do not return insult for insult.

Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-10 NAB)

Forgive So that the Lord may Forgive You.

When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive your transgressions. (Mark 11: 25-26 NAB)

But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:15 NAB)

Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37 NAB)

Live at Peace.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. (Romans 12: 17-18 NAB)

Pray Without Anger or Argument.

It is my wish then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands, without anger or argument. (1 Timothy 2:8 NAB)

Be Reconciled.

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5: 23-24 NAB)

Forgive Often.

Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18: 21-22 NAB)

Forgive as the Lord has Forgiven You

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another, as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. (Colossians 3: 12-13 NAB)

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:32 NAB)