What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
Let’s Talk About a Word That Changes Everything
Forgiveness.
It sounds beautiful. It is beautiful.
But let’s be real—it can also be incredibly hard.
Whether you’re struggling to forgive someone who hurt you, or you’re carrying shame you don’t know how to shake, forgiveness is where God meets us with mercy and invites us to freedom.
So what does the Bible actually say about forgiveness?
Let’s unpack it—together.
What Is Forgiveness in the Bible?
Forgiveness is more than saying “it’s fine.” It’s not pretending the hurt didn’t happen. Biblical forgiveness means releasing the offense—not because it didn’t matter, but because God’s grace is bigger.
God’s kind of forgiveness is rooted in love, fueled by grace, and aimed at restoration.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” — Psalm 103:12
God Forgives Freely—And Fully
Forgiveness is God's idea. And He goes first.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
God doesn’t hold our past over our heads. When we come to Him with open hearts, He meets us with open arms.
We’re Called to Forgive Others
Yep—this one’s tough.
But it’s also the way we reflect what we’ve received.
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13
We forgive not because people deserve it, but because we didn’t deserve it either. That’s grace. That’s the Gospel.
Jesus Is Forgiveness
Look at the cross. Look at His final words.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34
That’s not just a verse. That’s your Savior, offering forgiveness to His enemies while He was being crucified.
This is the heart of Jesus—and the heartbeat of our faith.
How to Ask God for Forgiveness
Here’s the path Scripture lays out:
1. Acknowledge Your Need
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
We’ve all messed up. Grace begins with honesty.
2. Confess It to God
“I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And you forgave...” — Psalm 32:5
Be real. Be specific. God can handle your truth.
3. Turn from It
“Repent... so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come.” — Acts 3:19
Forgiveness isn’t about perfection. It’s about direction—turning toward God.
4. Trust Jesus
“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” — Hebrews 9:22
Jesus made a way for every sin to be forgiven—past, present, and future.
Why Forgiveness Matters So Much
It Sets You Free
Unforgiveness weighs heavy. Jesus invites you to lay it down.
“Come to Me... and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
It Restores Relationships
God is all about reconciliation—between us and Him, and us and others.
“He gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18
It Reflects God’s Love
When we forgive, we don’t just show kindness—we show Jesus.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35
How to Forgive Someone (Even When It’s Hard)
Let’s be honest—it’s easy to talk about forgiveness until we have to actually do it.
Here’s how Scripture guides us:
Pray for Them
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44
This changes your heart, even if nothing changes in them.
Choose to Forgive
It’s not about how you feel. It’s about walking in obedience and freedom.
Rely on God’s Strength
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13
You don’t have to muster the strength. God will help you.
Let It Go
Not because it was okay—but because you’re not the judge.
“Do not take revenge... leave room for God.” — Romans 12:19
Jesus Doesn’t Just Forgive—He Teaches Us How
He Forgives Us
“By His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5
He Models It
“Father, forgive them...” — Luke 23:34
He Empowers Us
“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
With Him, though? You can forgive the impossible.
Final Thoughts
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
It says you’re not too far gone.
It says you can forgive, even if it hurts.
It says freedom is possible.
Forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s power.
It’s not forgetting—it’s releasing.
And it doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from knowing Jesus deeper.
So maybe today is the day to take that step.
Ask for forgiveness.
Extend it.
Receive it.
Live in it.
Because the forgiven… forgive.