12 Bible Verses About Forgiving One Another

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about forgiving one another

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about forgiving one another:

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 12:19-21 – “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
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. 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.”

What does the bible say about forgiving one another?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness among believers.

It teaches that forgiveness is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and promoting unity within the community of believers.

The Bible encourages individuals to forgive others as God has forgiven them, showing compassion and mercy towards one another.

It also emphasizes the need to let go of grudges, resentment, and anger, and to seek reconciliation with those who have wronged us.

Forgiveness is seen as a way to release the burden of carrying resentment and to experience healing and restoration in relationships.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that forgiveness is a reflection of God’s grace and love towards humanity, and it is a fundamental aspect of living a life of faith and obedience to God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about forgiving one another?

1. Matthew 18:21-35 – This chapter includes the parable of the unforgiving servant, which teaches the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God. It emphasizes the need for us 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 put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven us. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ.

3. Ephesians 4 – This chapter encourages believers to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another, just as God in Christ forgave us. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships and promoting unity within the church.

Reading these chapters can provide valuable insights and guidance on the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others. They remind us of the need to extend grace and mercy to those who have wronged us, just as we have received forgiveness from God.

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

1. Love: The Bible teaches that love is the foundation of forgiveness. By loving one another as God loves us, we are able to forgive and show grace to others, just as God has shown us grace and forgiveness.

2. Mercy: Mercy is closely related to forgiveness in the Bible. Just as God shows us mercy by not giving us the punishment we deserve, we are called to show mercy to others by forgiving them and not holding their wrongdoings against them.

3. Compassion: Compassion is the ability to empathize with others and understand their pain or struggles. By showing compassion towards others, we are more likely to forgive them and extend grace, just as God has shown us compassion and forgiveness.

4. Repentance: In order for forgiveness to occur, there must be repentance on the part of the offender. The Bible teaches that we are to forgive others when they ask for forgiveness and show genuine remorse for their actions. By acknowledging their wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness, the offender opens the door for reconciliation and healing.

5. Humility: Humility is an important concept in the Bible that is closely related to forgiveness. By humbling ourselves and recognizing our own faults and shortcomings, we are more likely to extend forgiveness to others and let go of any bitterness or resentment we may be holding onto.

Overall, the concepts of love, mercy, compassion, repentance, and humility are all closely related to forgiving one another in the Bible. By embodying these qualities and following the example of God’s forgiveness towards us, we can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships with others.

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.