Heavenly Help: Bible Verses on Forgiving Those Who've Wronged You
The Healing Power of Biblical Forgiveness
If you're looking for bible verses about forgiving others, here are the 10 most powerful passages:
- Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
- Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
- 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."
- Luke 6:37 - "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven."
- Mark 11:25 - "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
- Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
- Proverbs 17:9 - "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."
- Romans 12:19 - "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
- Luke 17:3-4 - "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."
- Luke 23:34 - "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'"
The command to forgive appears over 100 times in Scripture, making it one of the Bible's most emphasized teachings. Bible verses about forgiving others don't just instruct us on what to do—they reveal why forgiveness matters and how it transforms both the forgiver and the forgiven.
Forgiveness can feel impossible when we've been deeply hurt. The weight of anger, resentment, and pain can be overwhelming. Yet the Bible consistently calls us to a higher path—one that mirrors God's own forgiveness toward us.
As one verse states, "Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13). This simple but profound instruction connects our horizontal relationships with our vertical relationship with God.
When we struggle to forgive, we're not alone. Even Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, wanted clarity on forgiveness limits, asking if seven times was enough. Jesus' answer—"seventy-seven times"—reveals that forgiveness isn't about keeping score but about cultivating a heart of grace.
The journey of forgiveness is deeply personal and often difficult. At Share The Struggle, we understand that biblical teachings on forgiveness sometimes require guidance to apply in real-life situations. Our faith-based coaching provides support as you work through the process of forgiving those who've wronged you.
Why Forgiveness Matters in the Christian Life
Forgiveness isn't optional in the Christian journey—it's essential. Throughout Scripture, God doesn't merely suggest forgiveness; He commands it as a cornerstone of our faith. But why does this matter so deeply in our spiritual lives?
When bitterness takes root in our hearts, we become its first victims. Ephesians 4:31-32 speaks directly to this: "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."
This passage reveals a profound truth—unforgiveness is like drinking poison while hoping someone else will suffer. The bitterness we harbor damages our own hearts first, creating a prison we build with our own hands.
Jesus makes the stakes crystal clear in Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
These words might initially sound harsh, but they illuminate the beautiful connection between experiencing God's mercy and extending it to others. Our relationship with God directly shapes how we relate to those around us—the vertical transforms the horizontal.
Spiritual & Emotional Benefits
The beauty of forgiveness extends far beyond spiritual obedience—it brings healing to our whole being. Recent scientific research on stress reduction through forgiveness confirms what Scripture has taught for centuries—forgiving others brings freedom to the forgiver.
When we choose forgiveness, we experience profound spiritual benefits: a renewed sense of peace that replaces inner turmoil, genuine joy that flows from release, answered prayer as we remove barriers between us and God, and significantly lower anxiety as we surrender our right to revenge.
The mental health benefits are equally remarkable. People who practice forgiveness consistently show reduced stress levels, improved heart health, better sleep patterns, and stronger immune systems. Our bodies literally function better when we're not carrying the heavy burden of resentment.
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting what happened or saying harmful behavior was acceptable. Rather, it means choosing to release our grip on anger and entrusting justice to God. This release creates space for healing—both for ourselves and sometimes for our relationships.
God's Forgiveness as the Model
Our ultimate pattern for forgiveness comes from God Himself, displayed most powerfully at the cross. As Jesus hung dying, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). In His moment of deepest suffering, Jesus offered forgiveness to those actively causing His pain.
Ephesians 1:7 reminds us, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." God's forgiveness wasn't cheap—it cost Him His Son. Yet He extends this grace freely to all who receive it.
Colossians 1:14 echoes this truth: "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Our entire faith is built on the foundation of God's forgiveness. When we forgive others, we're not doing something extraordinary—we're simply passing along the same grace we've received.
At Share The Struggle, we understand that knowing we should forgive and actually working through the process can be very different experiences. Our faith-based coaches can walk alongside you, helping you steer the complex emotions of forgiveness while honoring your hurt. Through our Captive Thoughts coaching method, we help you identify thought patterns that keep you trapped in unforgiveness and replace them with God's liberating truth.
Bible Verses About Forgiving Others: Top 20 Passages to Memorize
While we've already covered the top 10 bible verses about forgiving others, let's explore 10 more powerful passages that can transform your approach to forgiveness:
Psalm 86:5 - "For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you."
Psalm 103:12 - "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
Isaiah 43:25 - "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."
Micah 7:18-19 - "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Matthew 5:23-24 - "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Matthew 18:35 - "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Proverbs 10:12 - "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."
1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
Hebrews 8:12 - "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
These passages reveal different dimensions of forgiveness—from God's character as a forgiving Father to our responsibility to forgive others as an expression of love. Memorizing these verses can provide spiritual ammunition when you're tempted to hold onto resentment.
| Attitude Forgiveness (Mark 11:25) | Action Forgiveness (Luke 17:3) |
|---|---|
| Internal heart posture | External relational act |
| Released in prayer to God | Extended directly to the offender |
| Unconditional (regardless of repentance) | Follows repentance and confession |
| Protects your heart from bitterness | Restores broken relationship |
| "Whenever you stand praying, forgive..." | "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him..." |
Bible Verses About Forgiving Others—Core Commands
Some bible verses about forgiving others come as direct commands from Jesus himself. These "red letter" words carry special weight as instructions from our Savior:
Matthew 6:14 forms part of Jesus' teaching on prayer, directly connecting our willingness to forgive with our own experience of forgiveness: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
In Luke 6:37, Jesus commands: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." This creates a powerful link between how we treat others and how we will be treated.
Mark 11:25 ties forgiveness to effective prayer: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Unforgiveness becomes a barrier to our communion with God.
These core commands aren't suggestions or good ideas—they're divine imperatives that shape how we're called to live as followers of Christ.
Bible Verses About Forgiving Others—Promises & Warnings
Scripture balances its commands about forgiveness with both promises for obedience and warnings about disobedience:
Promises:
- Proverbs 17:9 promises that "whoever covers an offense seeks love"—meaning that forgiveness preserves and strengthens relationships.
- Luke 6:37 promises that when we forgive, we will be forgiven—a reciprocal blessing.
- Psalm 32:1 declares "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered"—reminding us of the happiness that comes with both receiving and extending forgiveness.
Warnings:
- Matthew 18:35 warns that if we don't forgive "from the heart," we may face severe consequences: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
- Matthew 6:15 cautions that "if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
- Hebrews 12:15 warns about "a root of bitterness" that can spring up and cause trouble, defiling many.
These promises and warnings reveal that forgiveness isn't optional for Christians—it's essential for spiritual health and right relationship with God.
Biblical Stories & Parables That Illustrate Forgiveness
The Bible doesn't just command us to forgive—it shows us what forgiveness looks like through powerful stories that touch our hearts and inspire our actions.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) offers perhaps the most beautiful picture of forgiveness in Scripture. When a wayward son returns home after squandering his inheritance, we don't see a father who lectures or withholds love. Instead, we witness a father running—actually running—to accept his child, ordering a robe for his shoulders and a ring for his finger. The lavish celebration that follows shows us God's heart toward all who return to Him. There's no probation period, no "I told you so"—just pure, restorative love.
The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) delivers a stark warning about the consequences of refusing to forgive. Jesus tells of a servant forgiven an astronomical debt—millions in today's currency—who then refuses to forgive a fellow servant a few dollars. The contrast is intentionally jarring. When we've been forgiven so much by God, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? This parable reminds us that forgiveness isn't optional for believers—it's the natural response to having received mercy ourselves.
Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37-50) unfolds like a divine drama across decades. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endures prison, false accusations, and abandonment. Yet when famine brings those same brothers to Egypt where Joseph now serves as second-in-command, he chooses reconciliation over revenge. His profound statement, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20), reveals a heart that sees God's bigger picture beyond personal pain.
Jesus and Peter (John 21:15-19) gives us a tender glimpse of restoration after failure. After denying Jesus three times, Peter might have expected condemnation. Instead, the risen Christ gives Peter three opportunities to affirm his love, matching each denial with restoration. Jesus doesn't just forgive Peter's past—He recommissions him for future ministry. This gentle scene reminds us that true forgiveness doesn't just erase the past; it opens doors to new beginnings.
Stephen the Martyr (Acts 7:54-60) shows us forgiveness in its most costly form. As stones crush his body, Stephen follows Jesus' example, praying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." His dying words demonstrate how deeply the early Christians had internalized Christ's teaching on forgiveness. Even in unbearable pain, Stephen refused to let bitterness be his final testimony.
Lessons We Learn
These powerful stories teach us life-changing truths about forgiveness that mere commands cannot convey.
Mercy triumphs over judgment in each narrative. Those with power to punish—the father, Joseph, Jesus—choose mercy instead. Their choice breaks cycles of vengeance and creates space for healing.
Forgiveness requires humility from both parties. The prodigal son had to swallow his pride to return home. Joseph had to release his right to revenge. Peter had to accept grace he knew he didn't deserve. True forgiveness can't coexist with pride.
Forgiveness often needs to be repeated, as Jesus demonstrated with Peter. The three-fold restoration mirrors Peter's three-fold denial, showing us that deep wounds sometimes require multiple moments of forgiveness before healing is complete.
Divine justice provides the foundation for our ability to forgive. Joseph could release his brothers because he trusted God's sovereignty. Stephen could forgive his killers because he saw Jesus standing at God's right hand. We can let go because we know God holds all accounts.
Forgiveness transforms futures in unexpected ways. Had Joseph sought revenge, his family would have perished in the famine. Instead, his forgiveness preserved not just his brothers but the entire future nation of Israel.
These stories move forgiveness from abstract concept to lived reality. At Share The Struggle, we've seen how these biblical narratives provide hope for those wrestling with seemingly unforgivable offenses. Our coaches often use these stories to help clients see forgiveness not as an impossible demand but as a journey others have walked before them—a journey that leads to freedom.
Practical Steps to Forgive & Heal
We all know forgiveness is important, but let's be honest—putting it into practice can feel overwhelming. When someone has deeply hurt you, the journey from "I should forgive" to "I have forgiven" often isn't straightforward. Let me walk you through some practical steps that have helped many people move forward.
First, acknowledge the hurt you've experienced. Real forgiveness doesn't minimize pain—it faces it honestly. As Psalm 139:23-24 invites, allow God to search your heart and reveal what's truly there. Naming your hurt before God is the first step toward healing.
Next, work on taking your thoughts captive. Those recurring thoughts of resentment? They need gentle redirection. 2 Corinthians 10:5 gives us this powerful image of "taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." When you catch yourself rehearsing the offense for the hundredth time, pause and consciously redirect your thinking.
One of the most transformative practices is to pray for the person who hurt you. I know this sounds challenging—maybe even impossible right now. But Jesus specifically instructs us to "pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Start small if needed, perhaps just asking God to bless them in some general way. You might be surprised how this practice gradually softens your heart.
An essential part of forgiveness is releasing the right to revenge. Romans 12:19 reminds us to "leave room for God's wrath." When we try to settle scores ourselves, we carry a burden we were never meant to bear. Trusting God with justice frees us in profound ways.
Forgiveness doesn't mean becoming a doormat, though. Setting appropriate boundaries protects you while still allowing you to release bitterness. You can forgive someone completely while still limiting your interaction with them if necessary.
Forgiveness is rarely a one-and-done event. Practice forgiveness as an ongoing process. Luke 6:37 uses a continuous tense: "Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Some days you'll feel you've completely forgiven; other days the hurt resurfaces. That's normal—just keep returning to the choice to forgive.
Don't try to walk this path alone. Seek support through Christian community. James 5:16 encourages us to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Sharing your struggle with trusted believers provides encouragement when the journey gets tough.
Acts 3:19 promises "times of refreshing" when we turn to God in repentance. Those same refreshing waters flow when we release others through forgiveness.
Captive Thoughts Coaching Method
At Share The Struggle, we've developed a specific approach called the Captive Thoughts Coaching Method, based on that powerful verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5. This practical framework helps you identify, challenge, and transform thoughts that keep you trapped in unforgiveness.
The process begins with a Mind Renewal Audit where you identify specific thoughts fueling your resentment. These might sound like: "She'll never change," "He did this on purpose to hurt me," or "I can never trust again." Bringing these thoughts into the light removes some of their power.
Next comes the Truth Assessment stage. Here, you compare these thoughts to biblical truth. Are they accurate? Helpful? Do they align with God's perspective? Often, our hurt distorts our thinking in ways we don't immediately recognize.
The third step involves Replacing Lies with Truth. You consciously substitute resentful thoughts with biblical affirmations about forgiveness, God's justice, and your identity in Christ. This isn't positive thinking—it's aligning your mind with what God says is true.
Finally, regular Scripture Meditation helps renew your mind and heart. Dwelling on key forgiveness verses creates new thought patterns that gradually replace the old ones.
Our coaches are trained to guide you through this process with compassion. We honor both your pain and God's call to forgive, creating a safe space to work through complex emotions.
Does Forgiveness Require Reconciliation?
"If I forgive them, does that mean I have to let them back into my life?" This question comes up frequently, and the biblical answer offers important nuance.
Forgiveness is primarily a one-sided act that happens in your heart before God. Reconciliation, however, is a two-sided process requiring both forgiveness and genuine repentance.
Luke 17:3-4 provides valuable guidance: "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."
This passage suggests that while our heart attitude should always be ready to forgive, the relational expression may depend on repentance. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin that includes escalating levels of accountability when there's no repentance.
Wise reconciliation typically includes clear acknowledgment of what happened, genuine repentance (shown through changed behavior, not just words), appropriate boundaries to prevent future harm, and gradual rebuilding of trust based on consistent actions.
Forgiveness means releasing the debt, not necessarily restoring the relationship to its previous state. Some relationships may need to change permanently, even with complete forgiveness.
When Forgiveness Feels Impossible
Sometimes the hurt runs so deep that forgiveness seems beyond reach. If you're in that place, please know you're not alone, and there is hope.
First, be honest with God about your struggle. The Psalms are filled with raw laments expressing pain before God. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to "pour out your hearts to him." God can handle your honest feelings about how difficult forgiveness feels right now.
Forgiveness begins with a decision, not a feeling. You don't have to feel forgiving to start the process. The emotions often follow the choice, sometimes much later.
Consider breaking it down into smaller steps. You don't have to forgive everything at once. Perhaps start with one aspect of the hurt and work from there. Small steps still move you forward.
For deep wounds, seeking professional help is often necessary. Trauma can create barriers to forgiveness that require skilled support to steer. Our Christian coaches at Share The Struggle can help you process wounds in a way that honors both your experience and God's call to forgive.
Finally, remember God's patience with you. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is "patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish." God understands that healing and forgiveness take time.
Research on trauma recovery shows that forgiveness is often a key component of healing, but it usually comes later in the recovery process after safety has been established and the trauma has been processed. Be patient with yourself as you heal.
At Share The Struggle, our coaches walk alongside you through each step of this journey. Whether through weekly group sessions ($40/month) or one-on-one coaching, we provide the support needed to move from hurt to healing through biblical forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forgiveness
How often are we called to forgive?
When Peter approached Jesus and asked if forgiving someone seven times was enough, he probably thought he was being quite generous. After all, Jewish tradition at the time suggested three times was sufficient. But Jesus' response in Matthew 18:21-22 completely reframed the conversation: "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (or "seventy times seven" in some translations).
Jesus wasn't suggesting we keep a forgiveness tally sheet until we reach 490 acts of forgiveness. Instead, He was painting a picture of limitless grace – the kind that doesn't keep score. This mirrors God's approach to forgiving us – without limit, without condition, without end.
This teaching transforms forgiveness from an occasional action into a continuous way of life. It's not about checking a box and moving on; it's about cultivating a heart that's always ready to release others from the debts they owe us, just as God continually releases us.
Do I have to reconcile to forgive?
One of the most common misconceptions about forgiveness is that it automatically means restoring a relationship to its previous state. The truth is more nuanced – forgiveness and reconciliation are related but distinct.
Forgiveness is an internal heart posture that releases resentment and the desire for revenge. Reconciliation is the external restoration of relationship that depends on several important factors:
- Has the person acknowledged the wrong they've done?
- Is there genuine repentance, as Luke 17:3 mentions?
- Would reconciliation be safe and healthy for both parties?
- What trust boundaries need to be established going forward?
You can completely forgive someone in your heart before God while still maintaining wise boundaries in the relationship. Think of forgiveness as the internal healing that frees you from bitterness, while boundaries are the external protection that prevents further harm.
At Share The Struggle, our coaches often help people steer this delicate balance – holding onto forgiveness while establishing healthy boundaries that honor both parties.
What's the difference between forgiving others and forgiving myself?
"I know God has forgiven me, but I just can't forgive myself." If you've ever said these words, you're not alone. Self-forgiveness is often the most challenging type of forgiveness we face.
While the Bible doesn't specifically use the term "self-forgiveness," it addresses the principles behind it beautifully. Romans 8:1 assures us that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This powerful truth reminds us that when God removes our guilt, we have no right to cling to it.
When we struggle to forgive ourselves, we're essentially saying one of two things: either our standards are higher than God's (which is pride), or Christ's sacrifice wasn't sufficient for our particular sin (which undermines the cross). Guilt release comes when we accept the forgiveness God has already extended and allow His grace to transform how we see ourselves.
Both forgiving others and forgiving ourselves require us to release the debt and trust God with the outcome. The difference is often in the emotions involved – shame and regret when forgiving ourselves, anger and resentment when forgiving others.
Many people find that working with a faith-based coach provides the support needed to work through these complex emotions. Our coaches at Share The Struggle are trained to help you apply biblical principles of forgiveness to both your relationships with others and your relationship with yourself, bringing healing to even the most painful situations.
Conclusion
The journey of forgiveness isn't a straight path—it winds through valleys of pain and climbs mountains of resentment. But as we've explored these bible verses about forgiving others, we've finded that forgiveness isn't just a biblical concept; it's a lifeline to freedom.
Forgiveness is God's command to us, not because He wants to burden us with difficult tasks, but because He knows the prison that unforgiveness builds around our hearts. When Jesus included "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:12), He was revealing a profound spiritual principle: forgiveness flows both ways in our lives.
The weight of holding onto hurt is simply too heavy to carry through life. That's why God invites us to release it—not because the offender deserves it, but because we deserve peace. This release doesn't mean what happened was okay. It means you're entrusting justice to God while freeing yourself from the exhausting work of keeping score.
Sometimes the hardest part of forgiveness is knowing where to start. At Share The Struggle, we've walked alongside countless people taking their first tentative steps toward releasing old wounds. Our faith-based coaches understand that knowing what Scripture says about forgiveness doesn't automatically make it easy to practice in real life with real hurts.
Our Captive Thoughts Coaching Model helps you identify and transform the thought patterns that keep you locked in cycles of resentment. Through personalized guidance, you'll learn to capture those thoughts that whisper "never forgive" and replace them with God's perspective on your situation.
Whether you're dealing with a fresh wound or carrying decades of hurt, forgiveness begins with a single choice—a choice you don't have to make alone. As Colossians 3:13 reminds us, we forgive "as the Lord forgave you"—drawing on His strength, not our own limited resources.
If forgiveness feels impossible right now, we invite you to connect with one of our trained coaches. Our weekly group sessions with up to 8 people are available for just $40/month, providing community support on your journey. For those who prefer more personalized guidance, our one-on-one coaching sessions can help you steer the complex emotions of forgiveness. Whether in Carlsbad, CA or online, our coaches can help you capture your thoughts and nurture a heart that's ready to forgive.
The freedom that comes through forgiveness is waiting for you. It won't erase the past, but it can transform your future. Take that first courageous step today.
