22 Forgiveness Bible Verses for Spiritual Healing
Did you ever think about how many times we’ve been hurt and/or offended by someone? Whether it’s a childhood neighbor, parent, sibling, friend, or even a spouse, we will get lied to, abused, or used at some point in our life.
Most likely, many times we don’t tell friends or family that they offended us. Our spouses might even offend us on a daily basis but if our spouse responds poorly, we must back off and give it over to the Lord.
A common problem I have recognized is that the closest ones to us, like spouses, will offend us the most. We take everything they say or do personally and maybe even pridefully. We may think, how could they actually SAY that to us? How could they DO that to us?
Hint: they’re sinners, just like the rest of us! Aren’t you glad when you stumble with sin that Jesus forgives you?!! I sure am. What does Jesus DO when we sin against him? He ALWAYS forgives us, we just have to ask for it!
That’s the key…we must continually be asking for forgiveness from Him. Otherwise, it will pile up and cause problems with our relationship.
What the Bible Says About Forgiveness and Letting Go
The Bible tells us we cannot harbor bitterness or ignite revenge. Yet, how do we forgive someone who won’t acknowledge they did anything wrong?
We give it to God. It’s kind of like depositing our forgiveness in a bank account that God manages and it’s on hold until the person repents. If he or she never does, that shouldn’t not affect you now. You’ve given it to the Lord.
God’s got this. He’s now in charge of the unrepentant spirit.
We cannot hold onto bitterness, or anger, or seek revenge. Instead, we must leave it to the Lord. In other words, once you’ve left it at God’s feet, be joyful that you can now stop dwelling on the offense.
Are you struggling with forgiving someone close to you? Download your very own free Forgiveness Bible Verse list to carry with you or for memorization and meditation.
What does Jesus teach about forgiveness?
It’s not easy; the flesh does not want to forgive and forget. The human condition wants to harbor resentment and rancor. Bitterness is a heavy chain around us that causes wasted time and pain to ourselves and others.
Yet, it’s not Biblical and Jesus tells us why. We are to let go of these negative emotions and live our lives seeking God’s love, not others. It’s an issue of pride…how can they do that to US?!! How do they think they can get away with it?!! Instead, turn those thoughts around and ask God to forgive them – remember, Christ said, “Forgive them, for they don’t know what they do”. We also need to have compassion for those who struggle with sin.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34
Verses About Forgiving Others
If someone sins against you, Jesus tells us to talk to the person alone. Keep in mind, if it’s really just an annoyance or more of insecurity, ask God to help you not get offended so easily. You’ve heard the saying, “get a backbone” or “build thick skin”.
Remember, the evil in this world is going to get worse and we must prepare for offenses to come our way as Christians. The apostle Paul said the last days would be times of violence with little self-control and people who despise you for doing right. If you read 2 Timothy 3:1-3, it will look very familiar based on the world’s hate today.
We must learn to handle slander, reviling and offenses as a Christian should, without anger or the desire for revenge. “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended” (John 16:1, King James Version).
Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 – Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Jesus Sayings on Forgiveness
Jesus says in Matthew 18:15, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
We must forgive freely and quickly, fully, and finally. Once we forgive, we must bury the offense in the grave of God’s forgetfulness and not bring it up again. Seems hard, right? Yet, with God’s help, we can do anything.
The finality of our forgiveness will set us free from the prison of bitterness and set our sister or brother free from his guilt. Now we can move onto the reconciliation and restoration of relationship process.
Think about it – one of God’s greatest gifts to us is forgiveness; He forgives us of our own sins, and He empowers us to forgive others who sin against us. If we can cross over to the forest of forgiveness, so many rewards from Him await us.
Forgiveness is costly; the forgiveness of our sins cost the precious blood of Jesus. And sometimes, it costs something of us to forgive others. Yet, Scripture provides endless reasons to forgive, no matter the cost.
What are the 4 Stages of Forgiveness?
This is not in the Bible but I’ll refer to what I’ve found during my research. From a human perspective, we can go through these 4 phases if we are tempted to initially not forgive:
- Wronged – When someone says or does something that hurts us, we can feel violated and the flesh wants to seek retribution.
- Resentment – If we’re not in a forgiving spirit, we can resent those who have hurt us intentionally or unintentionally.
- Review and Renew – Instead of dwelling on these negative feelings against someone, we can take back control with the Holy Spirit by having a forgiving attitude. Remember that Christ died for us for our trespasses and offenses.
- Resolve – Resolve the issue internally and externally. Find relief in God’s love. Don’t dwell on the sore situation and instead, follow the three types of forgiveness below.
What are the Three Types of Forgiveness?
If you’re wondering why it’s so important to forgive, let’s review some Bible scriptures that reveal God’s reseasons.
- We must forgive one another because God so easily and freely forgives us.
Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
- An unforgiving spirit means that we will not receive the gift of forgiveness from God.
Matthew 18:35 reminds us, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
It actually affects us physically, spiritually, and emotionally when we do not forgive. Think about it…how have a bitter spirit helped you? An unforgiving spirit leads to great emotional damage and suffering internally.
In other words, we don’t just forgive an individual for their sake, but also for our own sake.
- Forgiveness completely restores a relationship. Life goes back to normal and no more tension in the air, uncomfortable situations, or fellowship failure in your life.
Which Psalm is for Forgiveness?
The book of Psalms is a great testament to the power of forgiveness. God in His great mercy restores us fully and forgets our transgressions. Here are some Psalm scriptures on forgiveness from the Father to reflect upon and build trust that God does absorb your sins through His son Jesus Christ. We must ask for forgiveness in a humble fashion and turn away from it.
Psalms 103:10-14 – He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; And plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Forgiveness Bible Verses 70 times 7
Regardless of how many times someone says they are sorry, we must forgive them. We can go to God anytime and ask for forgiveness, and those who have wronged or hurt us should be able to do the same.
Matthew 18:21-22 – Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Asking for Forgiveness Bible Verses
Now, let’s say your spouse is in a sinful situation and they are not willing to repent. It’s STILL not our job to force them to stop or even repent. We can ask them, but they have their own will just like we do.
It’s our job as spouses to pray for them. We are to edify and encourage just as the Bible does when we struggle with sin. Yet, many times are harboring resentment and strife.
The problem for a lot of us, especially Christians, in my opinion, is we have an unforgiving spirit. Yet, it’s a prison. We are in a prison of bitterness and resentment.
We must release the prisoner. And, that prisoner is you.
As Adrian Rogers says, “Forgive freely, forgive fully, and forgive finally”. It’s forever. Don’t bring it up again.
Forgiveness Bible Verses KJV
These forgiving Bible verses will encourage your path to a forgiving spirit. Meditate and memorize these verses if you are struggling with dwelling on those who have trespassed against you. Whether it’s a continuous issue or a one-time sin, you can forgive those who have hurt you financially, mentally, or physically.
God’s Forgiveness Bible Verses
When we need to ask for forgiveness from God, which is daily, the scripture is clear that we confess and he will forgive us instantly and forget our sins. There are consequences for sinning, but God doesn’t hold it against us anymore.
Mark 11:25 – And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Matthew 6:15 – But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Sin Forgiveness Bible Verses
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of asking for daily forgiveness to God, let’s turn our attention to the sinning of others. If someone asks for forgiveness, we must obey God and forgive them, otherwise,He will not forgive us.
Matthew 18:35 – So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.
Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Matthew 18:21-22 – Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Anger and Forgiveness Bible Verses
Do you have anger or bitterness building up inside with someone? Is there anyone you’re harboring hate for or holding a grudge against? Please, my friend, in the name of Jesus, focuses on removing it by asking God for His strength to forgive.
An unforgiving spirit has so many consequences and keeps you from having a genuine spiritual revival in your life. It affects your relationships, causes physical damage, and keeps you from a close relationship with the Lord.
Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Luke 6:27 – But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Matthew 6:14-15 – For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Luke 6:37 – Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Colossians 3:13 – Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Bible Verses About Forgiveness and Healing
We can start to heal instantly when we confess our faults to one another. It may seem like a struggle to admit mistakes, but we all do it. You actually show strength and courage when you can admit wrong decisions.
James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Bible Verses About Forgiving Yourself
If you’re struggling to forgive yourself, you may be dealing with shame or guilt. However, once you confess your sins to the Lord, you’re forgiven. Remember, Satan wants us to keep dwelling on the past and not moving on. He’d rather us be in our beds sad and solemn than be happy and helpful to others. Keep your mind clear on only truths. These are all lies we tell ourselves: we’re not good enough, God can’t use us, we’re a loser, and the list goes on.
Instead, remember that you are a child of God, so keep your mind focused on lovely, pure, and praiseworthy thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Examples of Forgiveness in the Bible
Here’s a list of great examples found inside the Holy Bible that shows you can restore broken relationships and renew friendships:
The Woman Caught in Adultery – Jesus taught us a lesson of forgiveness in the Bible with John 8 story fo the woman caught in bed with another man that was not her husband.
Joseph and His Brothers – Joseph was one of 12 brothers who had thrown him in a pit, sold him into slavery, got falsely accused of seduction, and sat in jail an innocent man for 2 years.
God forgiving Israel in the wilderness. …
God Spares Wicked Ninevah – The city of Ninevah was caught up in wickedness and rebellion towards God by worshipping false gods. After they heard from Jonah the prophet that they would be destroyed, they believed him and repented of their sins. God spared them.
Types of Forgiveness in the Bible
If you’re ready to begin a lifestyle of forgiveness, there are three things that can happen in your life.
- Personal Renewal – You are now free of the burden unforgiveness has caused.
- Dual Reconciliation – You’ve not gained a brother or sister.
- Spiritual Revival – Getting right with God is our goal and you have done it! Rejoice with your new relationship in Christ and your friend or family member.
Are you ready for spiritual renewal in forgiveness? Start today, my friend. It benefits everyone, including you and your obedience to the Father will delight him.
