“Forgive and forget” is a phrase we hear often, but is it really that simple? Forgiving someone for a wrongdoing can take time and emotional effort, and forgetting isn’t always possible—or healthy. Forgiveness is important for healing, but it doesn’t mean we have to erase the past. Let’s talk about what it really means to forgive, when forgetting isn’t the answer, and how to find peace after being hurt.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About energy
What Does The Bible Say About forgive and forget
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 reminds us that when God forgives us, he chooses to forget our sins and no longer hold them against us. This exemplifies the power and depth of God’s forgiveness and teaches us the importance of forgiving and forgetting in our own relationships.
Forgiving others means letting go of their offenses, choosing not to bring up past wrongs, and offering them the same grace that God has shown to us. Forgetting, in this context, does not mean erasing the memory, but rather releasing the emotional burden and choosing not to dwell on the offense.
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.”
Jesus emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness in this passage. If we are unwilling to forgive others, it hinders our ability to receive God’s forgiveness. Therefore, as recipients of God’s mercy and forgiveness, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others.
Remembering this truth empowers us to let go of grudges, release bitterness, and seek reconciliation. Forgiving and forgetting allows us to experience the freedom and restoration that comes from living in alignment with God’s command to forgive as He has forgiven 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 reminds us to bear with one another and extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Just as Christ bore our sins and forgave us unconditionally, we are called to forgive others with the same level of grace and compassion.
Forgiveness entails releasing the desire for revenge, choosing to love and treat others with kindness, and seeking reconciliation. As we forgive and forget, we allow God’s transformative power to heal and restore relationships, fostering unity and peace in our lives.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul encourages believers to exhibit kindness and compassion by forgiving one another. Our forgiveness must mirror the forgiveness we have received from God through Jesus Christ.
Offering forgiveness freely and without reservation can be challenging, but it is an essential aspect of living in community. Forgiving and forgetting not only fosters love and unity, but it also reflects the character of Christ to those around us.
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 emphasizes the connection between forgiveness and judgment. Jesus teaches us that by refraining from judging and condemning others, we position ourselves to receive forgiveness.
Forgiving and forgetting means choosing not to hold others’ mistakes and shortcomings against them. Instead, we seek understanding, extend grace, and offer the same forgiveness that we hope to receive.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This Proverb highlights the importance of covering over offenses with love. By forgiving and forgetting, we choose to protect and preserve the relationships we value, rather than dwelling on grievances and spreading discord.
When we choose to forgive and forget, we create an environment of trust and openness, enabling deeper connections with our loved ones. It requires humility, empathy, and a recognition of our own need for forgiveness.
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.”
In this conversation between Peter and Jesus, Peter seeks to establish a limit to forgiveness. However, Jesus challenges this notion, teaching that forgiveness should be unlimited and boundless.
Forgiving and forgetting involves a willingness to extend grace repeatedly, even when it feels difficult or undeserved. Jesus’ response reminds us that forgiveness should be a natural outpouring of a transformed heart, representing the continuous forgiveness we receive from God.
Psalm 32:1
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
This Psalm celebrates the blessedness that comes with experiencing God’s forgiveness. When we forgive and forget, we align ourselves with the blessings of peace, freedom, and restored fellowship with God and others.
Forgiveness doesn’t erase the fact that wrongs have been committed but rather brings healing and reconciliation. Just as God covers our sins with His forgiveness, we are called to cover the transgressions of others through our forgiveness, allowing for healing and restoration to take place.
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 instructs His followers to forgive those who have wronged them while in the process of prayer. This highlights the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God and others, as well as the connection between the two.
Forgiving and forgetting is an active choice we make to release grievances and seek reconciliation with others. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive God’s forgiveness, experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.
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.”
In this passage, Paul encourages believers to respond to wrongdoing with goodness and righteousness. Forgiving and forgetting involves a commitment to break the cycle of revenge and seek peace with others.
Living at peace with everyone doesn’t mean we tolerate or condone harmful behavior, but it entails cultivating a forgiving spirit and seeking reconciliation whenever feasible. Forgiveness allows us to set aside our own desire for retribution and follow Christ’s example of love and mercy.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
In this Proverb, we are reminded that harboring hatred and holding on to past wrongs only perpetuates conflicts and divisions. Love, on the other hand, has the power to cover and overcome offenses.
Through forgiveness, we choose to love and extend grace, enabling reconciliation and healing. Forgiving and forgetting requires a willingness to let go of grudges and focus on fostering love and understanding in our relationships.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.”
The famous “Love Chapter” of the Bible highlights the selflessness and forgiveness that love entails. Love doesn’t keep a tally of past wrongs but chooses to let go and extend grace.
Forgiveness is an expression of love. When we forgive and forget, we release grievances and refrain from holding on to the offenses committed against us. By letting go of the record of wrongs, we create an environment of love, trust, and reconciliation.
Proverbs 16:6
“Through love and faithfulness, sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD, evil is avoided.”
According to this Proverb, love and faithfulness play a significant role in atoning for sin. Forgiving and forgetting is an act of love and faithfulness to God’s commandments, leading to restoration and reconciliation.
When we forgive and forget, we emulate the love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. It allows us to avoid harboring evil in our hearts and instead fosters an environment of forgiveness, healing, and peace.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the blessedness of showing mercy. Forgiving and forgetting is an act of mercy, extending grace to others just as we have received grace from God.
When we choose to forgive, we open ourselves up to receiving God’s mercy in return. By offering forgiveness instead of holding on to grudges, we invite the transformative power of God’s love and mercy into our lives.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This beautiful verse emphasizes the depth of God’s forgiveness and the extent to which He removes our sins from us. When we forgive and forget, we emulate this divine forgiveness by choosing to release the offenses committed against us.
Forgiving and forgetting gives us the opportunity to experience the freedom and liberation that comes from being released from the burden of holding on to past wrongs. It aligns us with God’s heart of forgiveness and extends His grace to those around us.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Peter encourages believers to love one another deeply, recognizing that love has the power to cover multiple sins. Forgiving and forgetting is an expression of this deep love, allowing us to overlook and release the offenses committed against us.
By choosing forgiveness, we create an environment where love thrives, fostering unity, compassion, and understanding. Forgiving and forgetting allows us to focus on building stronger relationships rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
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 passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of forgiveness. He instructs them to forgive, even if someone wrongs them repeatedly, as long as there is genuine repentance.
Forgiving and forgetting requires discernment, wisdom, and a balanced approach. It calls for grace, understanding, and a willingness to offer second chances. Just as Jesus offers us boundless forgiveness, we are called to forgive others in the same manner.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Paul declares that love is the fulfillment of the law, as it refrains from causing harm. Forgiving and forgetting aligns with this principle, as it seeks to replace harm with love and reconciliation.
Forgiveness allows us to break the cycle of hurt and respond with love, choosing to release the offenses committed against us. It enables us to live in obedience to God’s commandments and fosters an environment of love and unity.
Psalm 103:10
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
In this Psalm, the author acknowledges the mercy and compassion of God, affirming that He does not punish us according to our sins. Forgiving and forgetting reflects this divine mercy, as we choose to extend grace and release the debts of others.
When we forgive and forget, we choose not to hold onto the offenses committed against us, recognizing that our own forgiveness is not based on our merit. By offering forgiveness, we display the same mercy that we have received from God.
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 seeks to establish a limit to forgiveness, asking Jesus how many times he should forgive. Jesus’ response challenges this mindset, teaching that forgiveness should be limitless and boundless.
Forgiving and forgetting involves a commitment to a continuous attitude of forgiveness. It means choosing to release offenses and offering grace repeatedly, without keeping a record of wrongs. Just as God’s forgiveness knows no limits, we are called to forgive others without restriction.
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.”
Paul exhorts believers to rid themselves of negative emotions and attitudes, instructing them to instead embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Forgiving and forgetting requires letting go of bitterness, anger, and personal vindication.
When we forgive, we choose to extend kindness and compassion, acknowledging the forgiveness we have received from God. Forgiveness acts as a catalyst for healing, allowing us to break free from the chains of resentment and fostering a culture of forgiveness and grace.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in our relationships. He encourages us to prioritize resolving conflicts and seeking forgiveness from others before approaching God in worship.
Forgiving and forgetting calls us to be proactive in pursuing reconciliation. It requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to address the grievances others hold against us. By prioritizing reconciliation, we open the door for healing and restoration in our relationships.
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.”
This verse assures us of God’s faithfulness in forgiving our sins when we confess them. It highlights the cleansing and purifying nature of God’s forgiveness, reminding us of His desire to restore and transform us.
Forgiving and forgetting involves confessing and acknowledging our own wrongdoing, as well as offering forgiveness to others. By participating in this transformative process, we open ourselves up to the deep healing and purification that forgiveness brings.