12 Bible Verses About Forgiving Each Other

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about forgiving each other

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about forgiving each other:

1. Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
2. 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.”
3. Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
4. Luke 17:3-4 – “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
5. 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.”
6. 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.”

7. 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.”
8. Romans 12:19 – “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
9. 1 Peter 4:8 – “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
10. Proverbs 17:9 – “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
11. Ephesians 4:26-27 – “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
12. Matthew 18:15 – “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”

What does the bible say about forgiving each other?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness between individuals.

It teaches that forgiveness is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and promoting peace.

The Bible encourages us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God.

It also emphasizes the need to forgive others unconditionally, without holding grudges or seeking revenge.

Forgiveness is seen as a way to release anger, bitterness, and resentment, and to move forward in love and reconciliation.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that forgiveness is a reflection of God’s grace and mercy towards us, and that we should extend the same forgiveness to others.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about forgiving each other?

1. Matthew 18:21-35 – This chapter includes the parable of the unforgiving servant, which teaches about the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God. It emphasizes the need to show mercy and forgiveness to others, just as God has shown mercy and forgiveness to us.

2. Colossians 3 – This chapter instructs believers to forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven them. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in relationships with others. It also encourages believers to bear with one another and forgive grievances as the Lord has forgiven them.

3. Ephesians 4 – This chapter emphasizes the importance of unity and peace among believers. It instructs believers to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another, just as God has forgiven them. It also encourages believers to put away bitterness, anger, and malice, and to be tenderhearted and forgiving towards one another.

Reading these chapters can provide valuable insights and guidance on the importance of forgiveness in relationships with others. They emphasize the need to show mercy, compassion, and forgiveness towards others, as we have been forgiven by God. By studying these chapters, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the biblical principles of forgiveness and how to apply them in their own lives.

Ideas and concepts related to forgiving each other that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Repentance: Repentance is the act of acknowledging one’s wrongdoing, feeling remorse for it, and committing to change. In the Bible, repentance is often linked to forgiveness, as it demonstrates a genuine desire to make amends and seek reconciliation with others. When both parties are willing to repent for their actions, it paves the way for forgiveness to take place.

2. Mercy: Mercy is showing compassion and forgiveness towards those who have wronged us, even if they do not deserve it. In the Bible, God is often described as being merciful towards His people, and believers are encouraged to show mercy to others as well. By extending mercy to one another, we can foster a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships.

3. Grace: Grace is the unmerited favor and love that God shows towards humanity, despite our flaws and shortcomings. In the Bible, grace is often linked to forgiveness, as it emphasizes the importance of extending forgiveness to others as a reflection of God’s grace towards us. By showing grace to one another, we can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and understanding in our interactions.

4. Love: Love is a central theme in the Bible, and it is often described as the foundation for forgiveness and reconciliation. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, love is defined as patient, kind, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. By embodying these qualities in our relationships, we can foster forgiveness and healing, even in the face of conflict and hurt.

Overall, these concepts of repentance, mercy, grace, and love are all interconnected with the idea of forgiving each other. By practicing these principles in our relationships, we can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing, as modeled by God’s love and grace towards us.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.