Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to practice, but the Bible teaches it’s essential for a life of peace and freedom. Today, we’ll learn what God’s Word says about forgiving those who hurt us and how it leads to healing and restoration.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Satan’S Fall
What Does The Bible Say About Forgiving Others Who Hurt You
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 forgiving others who have hurt us. It reminds us that forgiveness is not only a commandment but also a condition for receiving God’s forgiveness. By forgiving others, we reflect the love and mercy that God has shown us.
Choosing to forgive can be challenging, especially when the offense is significant, but holding onto grudges only harms us in the long run. Forgiveness sets us free from bitterness and allows us to experience healing and restoration in our 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 reminds us that forgiveness should be a regular practice in our lives. It encourages us to forgive others even as we approach God in prayer. By releasing any grudges or resentments we hold against others, we open ourselves up to receiving God’s forgiveness and experiencing His peace.
Unforgiveness can hinder our relationship with God and hinder the effectiveness of our prayers. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we should imitate His example of forgiveness and extend grace to those who have hurt us.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“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.”
In this verse, we are called to let go of negative emotions and attitudes that prevent us from forgiving others. Instead, we are instructed to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us through Christ.
Forgiveness should be accompanied by a genuine desire for reconciliation and restoration. It involves choosing to release any desire for vengeance or retaliation and extending grace and mercy to those who have wronged us.
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 bear with one another’s faults and offenses and to forgive each other just as the Lord has forgiven us. It acknowledges that conflicts and grievances will arise among believers, but our response should always be one of forgiveness.
Forgiveness allows us to break the cycle of hurt and promote unity within the body of Christ. It is an expression of love and grace and a reflection of our identity as children of God.
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.”
Jesus teaches us in this verse that forgiving others is interconnected with refraining from judging and condemning them. By choosing not to judge or condemn others, we create an environment of forgiveness and reconciliation.
God’s forgiveness is not conditional upon our ability to forgive, but our willingness to forgive others reflects our understanding of His grace and mercy towards us. As recipients of His forgiveness, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
One of the most challenging aspects of forgiveness is forgiving our enemies or those who have intentionally hurt us. This verse challenges us to go beyond forgiveness and actively love and pray for those who have wronged us.
Through loving our enemies, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love in our lives. Praying for those who persecute us releases any bitterness or resentment and aligns our hearts with God’s desire for reconciliation and redemption.
Romans 12:17-19
“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. 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.”
This passage highlights the importance of responding to evil with good and choosing the path of peace and reconciliation. It discourages seeking revenge and encourages us to trust in God’s justice.
Forgiveness requires letting go of the desire for vengeance and trusting that God will deal with those who have wronged us in His perfect timing. Living at peace with others requires humility, patience, and a commitment to reconciliation.
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.'”
Peter’s question about forgiveness provides an opportunity for Jesus to teach about the limitless nature of forgiveness. He emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited by a set number of times but should be extended generously and unconditionally.
In forgiving others, we reflect God’s boundless grace and mercy. We recognize that we, too, are in constant need of forgiveness and that our forgiveness towards others should mirror His forgiveness towards us.
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 teaches us the importance of confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness from God and one another. It acknowledges that forgiveness involves both a vertical and horizontal dimension.
Confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt fosters healing, restoration, and reconciliation. It demonstrates humility and a willingness to take responsibility for our actions while allowing others to extend forgiveness and grace.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This proverb highlights the value of maintaining and preserving relationships through forgiveness. It encourages us to choose love over dwelling on offenses or spreading gossip.
Forgiveness involves letting go of the offense and refusing to continuously bring it up. By covering over an offense and extending grace, we contribute to the building of strong and lasting friendships.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse reminds us that love should be the foundation of all our relationships. Through love, we have the capacity to forgive and overlook the faults and sins of others.
Love acknowledges that no one is without flaws and recognizes the need for forgiveness. It is through love that forgiveness becomes an expression of grace and understanding.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts and offenses directly with the person involved. It encourages open communication and seeking reconciliation.
Forgiveness does not always mean ignoring or tolerating sin. In some cases, forgiveness may involve lovingly confronting the person and working towards reconciliation, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and restoration.
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 powerful statement from Jesus reveals His heart of forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and crucifixion. Despite the immense pain and injustice He experienced, Jesus chose to intercede for His executioners and extend forgiveness.
Jesus sets the ultimate example of forgiveness, demonstrating that forgiveness is not dependent on the other person’s repentance but on our willingness to extend grace. His forgiveness opens the door to salvation and reconciliation for all who believe in Him.
Romans 12:20-21
“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 challenge us to respond to evil with good and to bless our enemies instead of seeking revenge. Instead of perpetuating a cycle of harm, we are called to demonstrate kindness and compassion.
Forgiveness is not a passive act but an intentional choice to replace evil with good. It disrupts the cycle of negativity and offers an opportunity for transformation through God’s love and grace.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse echoes the previous one and emphasizes the power of responding to our enemies with acts of kindness. By doing so, we not only disarm their hostility but also honor God and open ourselves to His blessings.
Choosing forgiveness over retaliation demonstrates our trust in God’s justice and His ability to bring about reconciliation. It releases us from the burden of anger and allows His love to prevail in difficult situations.
Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
This verse highlights the serious consequence of unforgiveness. It implies that our own forgiveness from God hinges on our willingness to forgive others.
Forgiving from the heart involves more than just outwardly saying the words; it requires a genuine change of heart and a surrendering of our desire for revenge or justice. It is through this authentic forgiveness that we experience the fullness of God’s forgiveness and avoid the separation that comes from unforgiveness.
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 passage emphasizes the priority of reconciliation and forgiveness in our worship and relationship with God. It instructs us to prioritize restoring broken relationships over religious rituals.
Forgiveness requires humility and a willingness to seek reconciliation. By making amends and seeking forgiveness, we align ourselves with God’s heart for unity and restoration.
Matthew 18:27
“The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt, and let him go.”
This verse is part of the parable of the unforgiving servant, which illustrates the magnitude of God’s forgiveness towards us. The servant owed an insurmountable debt, but his master showed compassion, canceled the debt, and set him free.
As recipients of God’s lavish forgiveness, we are called to extend the same grace to others. The parable serves as a reminder that our forgiveness of others should reflect the immeasurable forgiveness we have received from God.
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. It acknowledges the reciprocal nature of forgiveness.
We ask God to forgive us in the same way that we have forgiven others. It is a humbling reminder that our forgiveness and reconciliation with God are interconnected with our willingness to forgive those who have wronged us.
Luke 7:48
“Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.'”
This verse captures a moment when Jesus offers forgiveness to a sinful woman who had demonstrated love and repentance towards Him. It highlights Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and His willingness to extend grace.
Jesus’ forgiveness is not restricted to a select few but is available to all who come to Him with repentant hearts. It demonstrates His desire to restore and reconcile with those who recognize their need for forgiveness.
Acts 7:60
“Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Stephen’s prayer as he was being stoned to death echoes Jesus’ words on the cross. It exemplifies the incredible capacity for forgiveness even in the face of violence and injustice.
Forgiveness is a powerful act of love and surrender. It releases us from the burden of holding onto bitterness and allows us to entrust justice into God’s hands.
Luke 6:37-38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
These verses emphasize the reciprocal nature of forgiveness and generosity. When we choose not to judge or condemn others but instead forgive them, we open ourselves up to receiving forgiveness and blessings from God.
The measure of forgiveness and generosity we extend to others is the measure that will be used towards us. By living with a forgiving and generous heart, we position ourselves to receive God’s overflowing grace and blessings.