Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible, but the idea of forgetting can be challenging. Scripture teaches us that true forgiveness involves letting go of bitterness, trusting God to bring healing, and moving forward in grace.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About judging righteously
What Does The Bible Say About forgiving and forgetting
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our lives. It reminds us that we are called to forgive others just as God forgives us. By extending forgiveness to others, we open ourselves up to receiving God’s forgiveness and experiencing the freedom that comes with letting go of grudges and resentments.
Forgiveness is a choice that we make, and it is not always easy. It requires us to release our feelings of anger and seek reconciliation with others. By choosing to forgive, we follow the example of Jesus, who forgave those who crucified Him. Forgiveness is not about forgetting the offense, but rather about releasing the hold it has on us and choosing to move forward in love and compassion.
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 encourages us to practice forgiveness towards one another. It reminds us that we are all imperfect and make mistakes, and we should extend grace to others just as God extends grace to us. Bearing with one another means being patient and understanding, even in the face of hurt or offense.
Forgiving others requires humility and a recognition of our own need for forgiveness. It is a powerful act of love that can bring healing and restoration to relationships. By forgiving as the Lord forgave us, we show the world the transformative power of God’s love and mercy.
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.'”
This conversation between Peter and Jesus highlights the limitless nature of forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited by a specific number of times but should be extended indefinitely. This challenges our human tendency to hold grudges and seek revenge.
Forgiveness does not come naturally to us, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to forgive repeatedly. It requires us to let go of feelings of bitterness and resentment, and instead, choose to love and show mercy. By forgiving others generously, we mirror the incredible forgiveness that God has shown us.
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.'”
In this verse, Jesus teaches the importance of not only forgiving but also being willing to confront others when they sin against us. It is not about holding grudges or keeping score, but about addressing the issue and giving the other person an opportunity to repent.
Forgiveness is not unconditional, but it is always available when accompanied by genuine repentance. When someone acknowledges their wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness, we are called to offer it without hesitation. This doesn’t mean that we become doormats, but rather that we choose to focus on reconciliation and restoration rather than holding onto resentment.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse reminds us that forgiveness is an expression of kindness and compassion. We are called to treat others with grace and mercy, just as God has treated us with His forgiveness. When we realize the scale of God’s forgiveness towards us, it humbles us and motivates us to extend that same forgiveness to others.
Forgiveness is not always easy, and it can take time to work through the hurt and pain caused by someone else’s actions. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His love and forgiveness, even when it is challenging. By forgiving others, we participate in God’s transformative work of healing and reconciliation.
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 emphasizes the importance of reconciliation before worship. It teaches us that forgiveness and reconciliation take precedence over religious rituals and offerings. If we have unresolved conflicts with others, it hinders our relationship with God.
Before approaching God in worship, we are called to actively seek reconciliation with those we have hurt or who have hurt us. This requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to initiate conversations that can lead to healing and restoration. It is a reminder that our relationships with others are intertwined with our relationship with God.
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.”
Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is directly linked to our own experience of receiving forgiveness from God. Holding onto grudges or harboring unforgiveness can hinder our own spiritual growth and block the flow of God’s forgiveness in our lives.
When we come before God in prayer, it is important to examine our hearts and release any unforgiveness we may be holding onto. Forgiving others not only brings healing to relationships but also opens the door for God’s forgiveness and restoration in our own lives. It is a powerful act of obedience and surrender to God’s love and grace.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the importance of discretion when it comes to offenses committed against us. Instead of spreading gossip or continually bringing up past wrongs, we are called to cover over offenses in love. This doesn’t mean ignoring or condoning sinful behavior, but rather choosing to extend grace and forgiveness, especially within close friendships.
Forgiveness involves maintaining confidentiality and protecting the reputation of others. It is a way to preserve relationships and demonstrate love and loyalty. By choosing to forgive and move on from offenses, we foster an atmosphere of trust and unity, which is essential for healthy and supportive friendships.
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.”
This verse reminds us to have a posture of forgiveness, refraining from judgment and condemnation. When we choose to forgive others, we release ourselves from the burden of judging their actions or holding onto bitterness.
We all make mistakes and fall short of God’s standards, so it is important to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that we hope to receive. By forgiving without judgment, we create a culture of compassion and understanding, where resolutions can be found and relationships can be restored.
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.”
This verse speaks to the power of confession and prayer in the process of forgiveness and healing. By confessing our sins and struggles to one another, we create opportunities for accountability, support, and ultimately, forgiveness.
Sharing our burdens and seeking prayer from fellow believers can lead to healing and transformation in our lives. It is through the power of collective prayer and the support of a loving community that we can experience forgiveness and grow in our relationship with God and others.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize love and understanding in our relationships. Love has the power to cover over a multitude of sins, as it seeks reconciliation and forgiveness rather than dwelling on past wrongs.
When we choose to love deeply, we create an environment where forgiveness can thrive. Love helps us to see beyond the faults and mistakes of others, and it compels us to extend grace and mercy. By loving one another, we reflect the love of Christ and foster an atmosphere of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse challenges us to resist the temptation to seek revenge or retaliate when we are wronged. Instead, we are called to respond with righteousness and pursue peace with everyone to the best of our ability.
Forgiveness is essential in breaking the cycle of retaliation and fostering reconciliation. It is a conscious decision to choose peace over conflict, even when it may seem difficult or unfair. By doing what is right in the eyes of others, we demonstrate the transformative power of forgiveness and the redemptive work of Christ in our lives.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to extend forgiveness even towards our enemies or those who persecute us. It goes against our natural instincts to respond with hatred or revenge, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard.
When we choose to love and pray for those who have hurt us, we open the door for transformation and reconciliation. Forgiving our enemies may not necessarily mean reconciling with them immediately, but it frees us from the bondage of bitterness and allows us to walk in the freedom of God’s grace.
Psalm 103:10-12
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This beautiful passage reminds us of the magnitude of God’s forgiveness and His removal of our sins. God generously extends His mercy and grace towards us, not treating us as our sins deserve but showering us with His never-ending love.
As recipients of such great forgiveness, we are called to imitate God’s character and extend forgiveness to others. Just as God removes our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west, we are to let go of the offenses committed against us and seek reconciliation with open hearts and compassionate spirits.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance as a precursor to forgiveness. Repentance involves a genuine turning away from our sins and a wholehearted commitment to follow God’s ways.
When we repent and turn to God, our sins are wiped away, and we experience the refreshing and renewing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This process of repentance and forgiveness enables us to extend the same forgiveness to others, recognizing our shared brokenness and dependence on God’s grace.
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
This verse portrays the incredible depth of God’s forgiveness. God not only blots out our transgressions but also chooses to remember them no more. He separates us from our sins and treats us as though we have never sinned.
When we forgive others, we are called to emulate this divine forgiveness and release any desire to harbor past wrongs against them. It is an invitation to extend grace and mercy, choosing to remember the person without being defined by their past mistakes. Just as God’s forgiveness brings freedom and new beginnings, extending forgiveness to others brings healing and restoration to relationships.
Matthew 18:21-35
“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. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants…’
This parable told by Jesus highlights the importance of forgiveness and the consequences of withholding it. In the story, a servant who was forgiven a great debt refuses to extend the same forgiveness to a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount.
The parable teaches us that as followers of Christ, we have been forgiven an immeasurable debt of our sins by God’s grace. Therefore, it is our responsibility to forgive others, no matter how many times they may wrong us. Unforgiveness leads to bondage and hinders our relationship with God.
We are called to forgive because we have been forgiven, showing mercy and grace to others just as God has shown mercy and grace to us. By forgiving, we reflect the character of our heavenly Father and participate in the redemptive work of His kingdom.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse reminds us of the ultimate act of forgiveness and love that God demonstrated through Jesus Christ. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, paying the price for our sins and offering us the gift of eternal life.
As recipients of God’s incredible love and forgiveness, we are called to extend the same love and forgiveness to others. Just as Jesus showed mercy and compassion to those who did not deserve it, we are to show grace to those who have wronged us. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the depth of God’s love for each one of us.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
This beatitude captures the reciprocal nature of forgiveness and mercy. The one who extends mercy and forgiveness to others will also receive mercy from God.
Forgiveness is an act of mercy that breaks the cycle of hurt and retaliation. When we choose to forgive, we demonstrate the compassion and mercy that God has shown us. It is through acts of forgiveness that we create a culture of grace and love.
By being merciful, we align ourselves with the heart of God, who is rich in mercy and quick to forgive. As we extend forgiveness to others, we position ourselves to receive the abundant mercy and grace that God offers us.
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.”
This psalm reminds us of the blessing that comes from experiencing God’s forgiveness. When we confess our sins and receive His forgiveness, we are blessed with freedom from guilt and shame.
When we forgive others, we offer them the same freedom and blessing that we ourselves have received. In extending forgiveness, we release others from the burden of guilt and give them an opportunity to grow and change.
This verse also highlights the importance of sincerity and honesty in our forgiveness. A spirit without deceit reflects a genuine desire to forgive and seek reconciliation. By embracing forgiveness and living with transparent hearts, we experience the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives.
Matthew 5:23-25
“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. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
This passage emphasizes the urgency of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness with others. It warns against delaying the process of reconciliation, as it can have serious consequences.
It reminds us that our relationship with God is interconnected with our relationships with others. Before we approach God in worship or prayer, we are called to address any conflicts or grievances we have with our brothers and sisters.
This passage challenges us to prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. By resolving matters quickly and seeking reconciliation, we demonstrate our commitment to live in harmony and love with one another.
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
This verse highlights the principle of reciprocity in forgiveness. The forgiveness we receive from God is directly linked to our willingness to forgive others.
When we choose to forgive those who have wronged us, we position ourselves to receive the abundant forgiveness and mercy of our Heavenly Father. It is through the act of forgiveness that we experience the fullness of God’s grace and the freedom from the bondage of unforgiveness.
Forgiveness is not always easy, and it may require us to lay aside our pride and humble ourselves before God and others. However, the rewards of forgiveness far outweigh the temporary satisfaction of holding onto grudges.
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.”
This verse provides a powerful example of forgiveness from Jesus Himself. Even in the midst of immense pain and suffering, Jesus chose to extend forgiveness to those who crucified Him.
His prayer for forgiveness demonstrates His heart of love and mercy, even for those who were unaware of the gravity of their actions. It serves as a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not contingent upon the remorse or understanding of the offender, but rather a choice we make from a place of grace and compassion.
Just as Jesus forgave us while we were still in our sin, we are called to imitate His example and forgive others, regardless of the circumstances or their understanding of their wrongdoing. The forgiveness bestowed upon us by Jesus serves as the foundation for our own forgiveness towards others.