What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and challenging commands in the Bible.

It is something we all need but often struggle to give.

When someone hurts us, forgiving them might feel impossible.

When we make mistakes, we long for forgiveness but sometimes doubt we deserve it.

The Bible, however, makes it clear—God calls us to forgive, just as He forgives us.

So what does the Bible really say about forgiveness?

How do we forgive when it feels impossible?

Let’s explore the biblical truths about forgiveness and how they can transform our lives.

God’s Forgiveness Is Unlimited

The Bible teaches that God’s forgiveness has no limits.

No matter how many times we fail, He is always ready to forgive.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse is a promise.

When we come to God with a repentant heart, He does not hesitate to forgive.

There are no sins too big, no mistakes too many—His grace is greater than all our failures.

Psalm 103:12 gives us another powerful picture of God’s forgiveness:

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

That means when God forgives, He does not hold our sins against us.

They are completely erased, never to be counted against us again.

If God forgives us so completely, why do we sometimes struggle to accept His forgiveness?

Many people feel like they must “earn” God’s grace, but the truth is, His love is freely given.

Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Forgiveness is not something we achieve.

It is something we receive.

Jesus’ Example of Forgiveness

Jesus not only taught about forgiveness—He lived it.

Even in His final moments on the cross, He demonstrated the power of mercy.

See also  What Does the Bible Say About Trusting Others?

Luke 23:34 records His words as He was being crucified:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

The very people who mocked, tortured, and nailed Him to the cross were the ones He prayed for.

That is the depth of God’s forgiveness.

Jesus also taught His followers to forgive over and over again.

When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

This was not about keeping count.

Jesus was saying that forgiveness should have no limit.

Just as God forgives us endlessly, we should extend that same mercy to others.

Why Is Forgiveness So Hard?

Forgiving someone is often easier said than done.

When we have been hurt, betrayed, or wronged, our natural reaction is to hold onto anger.

We feel that if we forgive, we are letting the other person “get away with it.”

But the Bible warns against holding onto unforgiveness.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “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.”

Holding onto bitterness does not hurt the person who wronged us—it hurts us.

It poisons our hearts, steals our peace, and keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s joy.

Forgiveness is not saying that what happened was okay.

It is not excusing the wrong or pretending the pain did not exist.

Forgiveness is choosing to release the anger, letting go of the desire for revenge, and trusting God to handle justice.

Romans 12:19 reminds us, “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.”

Forgiveness is trusting that God sees our pain and will make things right in His time.

The Freedom That Comes With Forgiveness

One of the biggest blessings of forgiveness is the freedom it brings.

See also  What Does the Bible Say About Being Equally Yoked?

Unforgiveness keeps us in chains.

It binds us to our past and keeps us reliving the hurt over and over again.

But when we choose to forgive, we break free.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

When we forgive, we are not just setting the other person free—we are setting ourselves free.

Jesus told a parable in Matthew 18:21-35 about a servant who was forgiven a massive debt by his master.

But instead of showing mercy, he refused to forgive someone who owed him a much smaller amount.

When the master found out, he was furious and sent the unforgiving servant to prison.

Jesus ended the parable with a sobering truth:

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (Matthew 18:35).

Unforgiveness is a prison.

It keeps us trapped in anger, resentment, and bitterness.

But forgiveness releases us into peace, healing, and freedom.

Forgiving Ourselves

Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.

We replay our mistakes, dwell on our failures, and struggle to let go of guilt.

But if God has forgiven us, who are we to hold onto shame?

Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

God does not define us by our past.

When He forgives, He wipes the slate clean.

If He does not remember our sins, why should we?

Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

We cannot move forward if we are always looking back.

When we accept God’s forgiveness, we step into the future He has planned for us.

See also  What Does the Bible Say About Not Being Able to Sleep?

Helping Others Find Forgiveness

As believers, we are not only called to forgive—we are called to share the message of God’s forgiveness with others.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.

And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

God’s forgiveness is not just for us—it is for the world.

When we share the message of Jesus, we offer hope to those who feel trapped by sin and shame.

We remind them that no one is beyond God’s grace.

That no matter what they have done, they can be forgiven.

That Jesus paid the price so they could be set free.

Final Thoughts

Forgiveness is at the heart of the Bible.

God’s love for us is so great that He offers complete forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

And because we have been forgiven, we are called to extend that same mercy to others.

Forgiving is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

It brings healing, freedom, and peace.

If you are struggling to forgive someone, remember that forgiveness is not about the other person—it is about your heart.

It is about releasing the pain, trusting God with justice, and choosing to walk in love.

And if you need forgiveness, know that God’s arms are open wide.

No sin is too big, no mistake is too great—His grace is enough.

All you have to do is come to Him, and He will forgive, restore, and make you new.