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What does the Bible say about forgiven those who hurt you?

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The Bible calls believers to forgive those who hurt them, remembering that God has graciously forgiven us in Christ, while also pursuing truth, justice, and reconciliation where possible. Jesus teaches that forgiving others is inseparable from humbly receiving the Father’s mercy (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25). We are to love enemies and do good to those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27), refusing hatred and leaving final judgment to God (1 John 2:11; James 4:12). Forgiveness does not deny evil or forbid wise boundaries; Matthew 18:15 commends honest, loving confrontation. Clothed with Christlike compassion, patience, and love, the church restores repentant sinners and resists Satan’s schemes of bitterness (Colossians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 2:7-11).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 6:14-15 9 votes

    [14] "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Luke 6:27 7 votes

    "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

  • Psalms 34:17-20 7 votes

    [17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.

  • Mark 11:25 6 votes

    Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 5 votes

    [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

  • Matthew 18:15 5 votes

    "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.

  • 1 John 2:11 4 votes

    But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

  • Colossians 3:12-15 4 votes

    [12] Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. [14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

  • James 4:12 3 votes

    Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

  • 2 Corinthians 2:7-11 3 votes

    [7] so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow. [8] Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him. [9] For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things. [10] Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, [11] that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

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