There is a profound, transformative power in forgiveness that can change lives, relationships, and even the world. Delving into the vast subject of mercy and compassion, it’s essential to seek guidance, both from within and from above. In this article, we’ll explore 110+ Bible verses about forgiveness, which have brought healing and restoration to countless people across ages and across the globe.
Whether you’re seeking to repair relationships, overcome feelings of guilt and shame, or seeking a deeper understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, the Bible provides timeless wisdom on this vital aspect of our lives. Reflecting upon these thought-provoking verses can lead to profound personal growth, create lasting peace, and strengthen our bond with God.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit down with your favorite journal and pen, or curl up in your favorite chair, and journey with me through these profound Bible verses about forgiveness. Let these sacred texts guide your heart and mind to a place of empathy, understanding, and divine grace.
Encouraging Verses on Forgiving Others
1. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
2. Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
3. 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.”
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. 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.'”
6. 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.”
7. Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
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.”
9. Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
10. Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
11. Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'”
12. 2 Corinthians 2:7
“Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.”
13. James 5:15
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
14. Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
15. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
16. Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
17. Micah 7:18
“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.”
18. Isaiah 1:18
“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'”
19. Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
20. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
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Healing Through God’s Unconditional Forgiveness
21. Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
22. Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
23. 1 John 2:12
“I am writing to you, dear children because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”
24. Ephesians 1:7
“In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
25. Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
26. Acts 13:38
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
27. Hebrews 10:17
“Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.'”
28. Romans 4:7-8
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
29. Colossians 1:13-14
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
30. 1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
31. Acts 26:18
“To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
32. Daniel 9:9
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”
33. Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
34. Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
35. Jeremiah 31:34
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Restoring Relationships with Scripture Guidance
36. Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
37. Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
38. Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
39. Ephesians 5:1-2
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 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.”
40. James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
41. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
42. 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
43. Matthew 12:25
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'”
44. Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
45. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
“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.”
46. Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
47. 1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
48. Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
49. Philippians 1:27
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
50. 2 Thessalonians 3:6
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.”
Verses for Praying about Forgiveness
51. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
52. Psalm 32:5
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
53. Psalm 51:1-2
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
54. Psalm 25:11
“For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.”
55. Psalm 79:9
“Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.”
56. Psalm 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
57. Isaiah 55:6-7
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
58. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
59. Luke 18:13-14
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”
60. James 4:8-10
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
61. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
62. 2 Corinthians 7:10
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
63. Psalm 39:8
“Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.”
64. Romans 10:12-13
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
65. Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
66. Jonah 3:10
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”
67. Psalm 65:3
“When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.”
68. Hosea 14:2
“Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'”
Overcoming Guilt and Shame in the Bible
69. Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
70. Psalm 32:1-2
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”
71. Isaiah 61:7
“Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance.”
72. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.”
73. Romans 8:33-34
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one.”
74. Romans 6:14
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
75. Isaiah 54:4
“‘Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.'”
76. Hebrews 10:22-23
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
77. 1 John 3:20
“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
78. 10.Titus 3:3-5
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
79. Psalm 34:4-5
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
80. Ephesians 3:12
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
81. Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
82. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
83. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
84. Psalm 103:10
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
85. Isaiah 44:22
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
86. Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
87. Isaiah 12:1
“In that day, you will say: ‘I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.'”
88. 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
89. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
90. Zechariah 3:4
“The angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Take off his filthy clothes.’ Then he said to Joshua, ‘See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.'”
Redeeming Grace through Old Testament Verses
91. Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
92. Exodus 34:6-7
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.'”
93. Numbers 14:18
“‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.”
94. Nehemiah 9:17
“You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore, you did not desert them.”
95. Psalm 130:4
“But with you, there is forgiveness so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
96. Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
97. Isaiah 38:17
“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love, you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.”
98. Micah 7:19
“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”
99. Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
100. Hosea 14:4
“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.”
101. Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”
102. Leviticus 19:18
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.'”
103. Deuteronomy 4:31
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.”
104. Numbers 14:19
“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”
105. 2 Chronicles 30:9
“For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”
106. Psalm 85:2
“You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.”
107. Psalm 99:8
“Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them but an avenger of their wrongdoings.”
108. Psalm 32:1
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
109. Psalm 25:7
“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.”
110. 2 Samuel 12:13
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.'”
111. Deuteronomy 30:2-3
“And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again.”
112. Hosea 2:23
“I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.'”
113. Zechariah 1:16
“‘Therefore this is what the Lord says: I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt.'”
114. Ezekiel 18:21-22
“But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them.”
115. Jonah 4:2
“Jonah prayed to the Lord, ‘Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.'”
The journey through these 110+ Bible verses about forgiveness serves as a powerful reminder of the healing and transformative power of mercy and compassion. By embracing God’s unwavering forgiveness and extending this grace to those who have wronged us, we can create enduring peace within ourselves and our relationships.
It is important to remember that these verses are not just words but a divine guiding light and living testimony of God’s desire for us to grow in love, understanding, and empathy. As we internalize these verses and apply them to our lives, we move closer to realizing the full magnitude of God’s love and forgiveness, ultimately overcoming guilt and shame and fostering restored relationships. May these words and the divine wisdom they convey serve as an eternal source of inspiration, guidance, and spiritual nourishment for your soul. Amen.
John Noonan is a passionate writer who delves into religious topics with great depth and insight. His articles and essays are thought-provoking and inspiring, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, morality, and contemporary issues. John's extensive research and knowledge of religious history and theology make him a highly respected voice in the field.