A Prayer for Forgiveness

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

— Ephesians 4:32

✦ Prayer

Father, I am honest with You: I do not want to forgive right now. The hurt is real and the anger feels justified. But I know unforgiveness is a prison that hurts me more.

So I choose to forgive — not because I feel it, but because You command it. I give the debt they owe me to You. You are the judge, not me.

Heal the wound underneath this offense. Replace the bitterness with the peace that passes understanding. Give me power to forgive the way You have forgiven me.

Amen.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Greek word for forgiveness — aphiemi — literally means "to release, let go." You are not excusing the offense. You are releasing your grip and transferring the debt to God. Romans 12:19: "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

Bible Verses

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

— Colossians 3:13

What this means: The standard for forgiveness is how God forgave us — completely, unconditionally.

For if you forgive other people, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

— Matthew 6:14-15

What this means: Unforgiveness blocks the flow of forgiveness you have already received.

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

— Romans 12:19

What this means: Forgiveness is not letting them off the hook — it is handing the hook to God.

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

— Luke 6:27-28

What this means: Praying for someone is one of the fastest paths to actually forgiving them.

What Does the Bible Say?

Bible Verses

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