Forgiveness can be a difficult task to accomplish, we've all been there. The good news is the Bible has multiple scriptures that teach us about forgiveness, what it is, and how to achieve it. Christian teaching often comes across as asking us to disregard ourselves for the sake of forgiving those who have hurt us. Forgiving someone once for something small with these teachings can be achievable and a realistic mindset, but for things that have wrongly challenged who we are at our core (our integrity, self-worth, etc), have violated our rights (stolen belongings, privacy, etc) or consistently broken our trust through a behaviour that has been address and forgiven many times, these teachings are often not a safe or healthy way to try and forgive. We’ve compiled a list of 11 bible verses about forgiveness that we believe will help you along the way and encourage you to speak them over your situation in prayer.
Romans 12:18-21: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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. 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.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” These verses relieve us of the responsibility to go beyond our scope to find peace with others. The other side have a responsibility to forgive and/or make right the situation too. You can not force others to forgive you or to treat you with respect, only God can work with them to sort their part out. Find peace that God does not expect you to resolve everything but to only do your part to forgive and move forward.
Galatians 5:1: “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Your Abba Father in Heaven called you to be free, speak this verse over any situation within which your forgiveness is needed. You are free of guilt, pain, hurt and responsibility for their actions.
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.” This verse is a reminder that the way God has forgiven us, we should forgive others as well, but we are not God so be responsible with your boundaries moving forward.
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.” The message here is very clear – forgiveness has no limit within safe relationships.
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.” If we extend grace to others, we too will reap the same benefit.
Proverbs 19:11: “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Sometimes, the most straightforward thing to do is to accept the apology, forget the offense, and move on, again ensuring your boundaries are set so that you are safe.
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” By remembering how Christ forgave us, we can extend grace and forgiveness to others.
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.” This verse teaches us that before any material dedication made to the Lord, we should be reconciled with others as far as it is on you.
Psalm 32:1: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” This Psalm reminds us that forgiveness is a blessing and a form of healing.
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.” Confessing our wrongdoings and forgiving each other facilitates healing and restoration of relationships.
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.” This verse further underlines the intertwining nature of repentance and forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a vital aspect of our Christian walk, not just for others, but for our self peace. Jesus teaches that we should love one another and forgive as we would like to be forgiven, but also that as long as it on us to make peace with the other people and after that it is Gods responsibility not yours. God loves you as uniquely as He loves those who have hurt you and does not expect you to take His role. In fact, the reality is that most often than not it is better the leave the correction of behaviour to someone who loves them and values you (i.e. God) for your freedom and their change. We hope that these bible verses about forgiveness encourage and strengthen you.
Reflection Questions
How has forgiveness helped you in your own life?
What advice would you give to someone struggling to forgive someone else? Can you use this advice?
What are the most important elements of forgiveness, from a Christian perspective?
How can we practice forgiveness on a daily basis?
In what situations is it hard to apply Christian teachings of forgiveness and what does the Bible say about this?
Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to leave your favourite verses in the comments about this topic.
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