Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we’re called to do in relationships. When someone hurts us deeply, our natural response is to hold onto anger and resentment. But the Bible teaches us a different way.
God calls us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. This doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened or immediately trusting again. It means choosing to release bitterness and let God handle justice while we find freedom and peace.
90 Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Relationships
1. Be Kind and Forgiving to One Another
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
2. Forgive as the Lord Forgave You
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
3. Forgive Others and God Will Forgive You
Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
4. Do Not Judge or Condemn Others
Luke 6:37 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
5. Forgive Seventy Times Seven
Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
6. Forgive When You Pray
Mark 11:25 – “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
7. Love Covers Over Offenses
Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
8. Rebuke and Forgive the Repentant
Luke 17:3-4 – “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
9. Reconcile Before You Worship
Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
10. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
11. Do Not Repay Evil for Evil
Romans 12:17-19 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
12. Wisdom Means Overlooking Offenses
Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
13. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
James 2:13 – “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
14. Forgive From Your Heart
Matthew 18:35 – “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
15. Jesus Forgave His Enemies
Luke 23:34 – “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
16. Forgive to Prevent Overwhelming Sorrow
2 Corinthians 2:7 – “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”
17. God Is Ready to Forgive
Psalm 86:5 – “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
18. Confess Your Sins to Be Forgiven
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
19. Put Away All Bitterness
Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
20. God Removes Our Sins Completely
Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
21. Repent and Turn to God
Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
22. God Reconciles Us to Himself
2 Corinthians 5:19 – “That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
23. Your Sins Will Be Made White
Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
24. Confess to One Another
James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
25. God Delights in Showing Mercy
Micah 7:18 – “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
26. We Are Justified by Grace
Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
27. Don’t Let Bitterness Take Root
Hebrews 12:15 – “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
28. Acknowledge Your Sin to God
Psalm 32:5 – “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
29. Address Sin Between Believers
Matthew 18:15 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
30. Love Covers All Offenses
Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
31. Love Your Enemies and Pray
Luke 6:27-28 – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
32. God Is Merciful and Eager to Forgive
Daniel 9:9 – “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”
33. Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs
1 Corinthians 13:5 – “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
34. Forgive as Joseph Forgave His Brothers
Genesis 50:17 – “This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.”
35. God Forgives So We Can Serve
Psalm 130:3-4 – “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
36. Bear with Each Other Patiently
Colossians 3:12-13 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.”
37. Release Your Right to Revenge
Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
38. Extend Grace to the Undeserving
Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.”
39. Forgiveness Brings Inner Peace
Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
40. Let Go of Past Hurts
Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.”
41. Choose Forgiveness Over Bitterness
Ephesians 4:26-27 – “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
42. God’s Forgiveness Is Our Model
Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
43. Forgive to Experience Freedom
John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
44. Trust God with Justice
Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
45. Forgiveness Heals Broken Relationships
2 Corinthians 5:18 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
46. Show Compassion to Others
Zechariah 7:9 – “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'”
47. Forgive Quickly and Completely
Proverbs 17:14 – “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
48. Don’t Hold Grudges
Leviticus 19:18 – “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
49. Seek Peace in All Relationships
Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
50. Forgiveness Reflects God’s Character
Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
51. Release Anger and Resentment
Psalm 37:8 – “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
52. Pray for Those Who Hurt You
Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
53. Forgiveness Is a Daily Choice
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
54. God Forgets Our Sins
Hebrews 8:12 – “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
55. Show the Same Mercy You Received
Matthew 18:33 – “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
56. Forgive Before the Sun Goes Down
Ephesians 4:26 – “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
57. Let God Be the Judge
Romans 14:4 – “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
58. Soft Answers Turn Away Wrath
Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
59. Pursue Peace with Everyone
Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
60. Forgiveness Breaks Chains of Bondage
Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
61. Be Quick to Forgive Offenses
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
62. God’s Love Compels Us to Forgive
2 Corinthians 5:14 – “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.”
63. Forgive Even When It’s Hard
Luke 23:33-34 – “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
64. Unforgiveness Hinders Your Prayers
Mark 11:25-26 – “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
65. Choose Mercy Over Judgment
Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
66. Forgiveness Restores Joy
Psalm 51:12 – “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
67. Let God Heal Your Wounded Heart
Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
68. Forgive as an Act of Obedience
1 John 3:23 – “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”
69. Release Others from Their Debt
Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
70. God Abundantly Pardons
Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
71. Forgiveness Honors God
Proverbs 16:7 – “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
72. Overcome Evil with Good
Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
73. Forgive to Receive Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
74. Show Kindness to the Unthankful
Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
75. God’s Patience Leads to Repentance
Romans 2:4 – “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
76. Forgiveness Demonstrates True Love
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
77. Be Tenderhearted Toward Others
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
78. God Cleanses Us from All Sin
1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
79. Forgive Without Counting the Cost
Luke 17:4 – “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
80. Love Never Fails to Forgive
1 Corinthians 13:8 – “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
81. Blessed Are the Merciful
Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
82. Forgiveness Opens Doors to Blessing
Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
83. Put on a Heart of Compassion
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
84. God Works All Things for Good
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
85. Forgive as a Witness to Others
John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
86. Don’t Let the Sun Set on Anger
Ephesians 4:26 – “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
87. Forgiveness Brings Spiritual Growth
2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
88. Be Patient and Understanding
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
89. God’s Grace Is Sufficient
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
90. Forgiveness Leads to True Freedom
Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to You carrying unforgiveness toward someone who hurt me deeply. The pain feels overwhelming and I want to hold onto my anger. But I know unforgiveness is poisoning my heart and blocking my relationship with You.
Help me understand the forgiveness You’ve shown me through Christ. Soften my heart toward those who have sinned against me. I choose to forgive today, not because they deserve it, but because You commanded it and I need freedom from bitterness.
Help me release my right to revenge and trust You with justice. Show me the difference between forgiving and trusting. Give me wisdom about whether reconciliation is possible. Help me set healthy boundaries while keeping a forgiving heart.
When painful memories return, remind me I’ve chosen to forgive. Replace my bitterness with Your peace and my resentment with freedom. Make me more like Jesus, who forgave even those who crucified Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about forgiveness in relationships?
The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a command, not a choice, and we must forgive others just as God has forgiven us through Christ.
How many times should I forgive someone who keeps hurting me?
Jesus said to forgive seventy times seven, meaning there’s no limit to how many times we should forgive someone who wrongs us.
Does forgiveness mean I have to trust the person again?
No, forgiveness means releasing your right to revenge, but trust must be rebuilt over time through changed behavior and proven faithfulness.
What if the person who hurt me never apologizes?
The Bible still calls us to forgive for our own freedom and healing, even when the other person doesn’t repent or acknowledge their wrongdoing.
How can I forgive someone when the pain is still so deep?
Ask God for His strength and grace, remember how much He has forgiven you, and understand that forgiveness is often a process that takes time.
Conclusion
Forgiveness is one of the most difficult but essential practices in any relationship. The Bible consistently shows us that holding onto unforgiveness only hurts ourselves while forgiveness brings freedom and peace.
God doesn’t minimize our pain or pretend that forgiving is easy. Instead, He gives us His own example of forgiveness through Christ and commands us to extend that same grace to others. When we truly understand how much we’ve been forgiven, it changes our hearts and empowers us to forgive even the deepest wounds.
David is the founder of techynoof.com, a site dedicated to puns and clever wordplay. He loves turning language into laughter and making words wonderfully witty.
