Bible Verses about Forgiveness: The Wonder of Being Forgiven

In this article, we’ll consider several Bible verses about forgiveness and what it means to forgive and be forgiven. Forgiveness is a hard thing for many to imagine. Holding grudges, and keeping a record of slights, big or small, real or perceived, is the natural tendency of humans. It is a tendency based on self-preservation. When trauma and hurt have occurred, the instinct toward self-preservation is heightened. So why should you practice forgiving the pains that others have caused you?

Bible Verses about Forgiveness

Who benefits from forgiveness?

The answer may surprise you, but it is not the forgiven party, but rather the one doing the forgiving. There may even be times where the forgiven person has no idea that they hurt you in the first place. Forgiveness will ultimately have a much deeper impact on you.

• You will experience peace of mind and heart.
• You will be able to set boundaries with toxic people.
• You will have grace for mistakes.
• You will be patient when things become complicated.

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. – Matthew 18:21-22, NIV

This practice of forgiveness is not often a once-and-done experience. You may need to search your heart and do so repeatedly. By bringing it to God you become more aware of his great mercy and forgiveness toward you.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13, NIV

Do you need it?

The short answer is YES. The longer answer is you probably don’t even know all the things for which you need to be forgiven. In one of the prayers from the Book of Common Prayer you will find these words:

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

The full range of your missteps and misspoken words, and a host of other issues is unknown to you. As much as you may try to go about your days doing good and right, you are human and will fail. This is where you can take comfort in the forgiveness of God, yesterday, today, and forever. It is also possible that you have been forgiven by others as well.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. – Luke 7:47, NIV

Next Steps

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. – 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, NIV

Love does not overlook the hurt but understands and has compassion beyond the pain. It is exceptionally hard to love and hold grudges. Holding grudges and hurts only makes relationships more difficult. Asking for forgiveness and granting it to those who ask restores any relationship’s trust and intimacy. From spouses to children, parents to friends, everyone needs forgiveness from time to time.

Talk to a counselor about the people you find difficult to forgive and ask him or her to help you through the process.