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What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Scripture reveals that forgiveness is not optional or limited—it mirrors the limitless mercy God extends to us through Christ.

Scripture on Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-22 New Testament
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times should 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.'"
Ephesians 4:32 New Testament
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Colossians 3:13 New Testament
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Psalm 103:12 Old Testament
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
Luke 6:37 New Testament
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
The Bottom Line
God forgave you completely; now He asks you to forgive others the same way.
Try Today

Identify one person you've been holding a grudge against and send them a simple message: 'I want to make things right between us.' Don't wait for them to apologize first.

Prayer

Jesus taught us to pray, 'Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors' (Matthew 6:12)—inviting us to align our hearts with His mercy.

Father, I'm holding onto hurt against someone, and it's eating me from the inside. You've forgiven me for things I didn't deserve forgiveness for—through Jesus' death, my debt is completely gone. That's overwhelming mercy. Right now, I'm struggling to extend that same grace. Help me see the person who hurt me the way You see them—as someone You love and died for. Give me the courage to let go of what they owe me. I release this grudge to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Matthew 18:23-35 for the parable of the unforgiving servant—Jesus' most direct teaching on why forgiveness matters so deeply.

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