1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (WEB)
God's forgiveness is sure when we come to him honestly.
Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Forgiveness runs in two directions in the Bible: the forgiveness we receive from God, and the forgiveness we're called to extend to others. These verses speak to both.
Ephesians 4:32
“And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.” (WEB)
We forgive others out of the forgiveness we've already received.
Colossians 3:13
“bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.” (WEB)
Christ's forgiveness sets the pattern and the standard for ours.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (WEB)
A vivid picture of how completely God removes our sin.
Matthew 6:14-15
Jesus links receiving forgiveness with extending it to others.
Matthew 18:21-22
Forgive “seventy times seven”, forgiveness without keeping count.
Applying these verses
Forgiveness can be a process, not a single moment, these verses are worth revisiting. If you're struggling to forgive, Ephesians 4:32 reframes it: not pretending the hurt didn't happen, but choosing to release it as you've been released.
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Open Verse FinderFrequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The Bible teaches that God forgives us freely when we confess (1 John 1:9), and calls us to forgive others as we've been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). Jesus even ties the two together (Matthew 6:14-15).
How many times should you forgive someone?
When Peter asked if seven times was enough, Jesus answered “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22), meaning forgiveness shouldn't be rationed or counted, but offered generously.
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