Forgiveness

Summary

The Bible commands forgiveness as a response to God’s mercy, while still telling the truth about wrongdoing and justice.

What the Bible teaches

Believers forgive because they have been forgiven. Forgiveness releases vengeance to God; it does not require pretending harm never happened.

Key passages

• Ephesians 4:32

  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

  Translation: KJV

• 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.

  Translation: KJV

• 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.

  Translation: KJV

Practical application

Ask God for a willing heart, refuse to rehearse revenge, and seek wise counsel when reconciliation must be paced carefully.

Deeper guides

• What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
• Why Is Forgiveness So Hard? A Bible Perspective
• Bible Verses About Mercy and Forgiveness

Related topics

• Family
• Marriage
• Grief