Bible Verses

Bible Verses for Forgiveness

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

— Ephesians 4:32

What Does God 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

1
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
— Colossians 3:13
What this means: The standard for forgiveness is how God forgave us — completely, unconditionally.
2
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.
3
"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.
4
"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.