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What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God freely forgives repentant sinners through Jesus Christ and calls those who receive His mercy to forgive others from the heart. In 1 John 1:9, believers are assured that God is faithful and just to forgive confessed sin and cleanse us. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 ground our forgiveness of others in God’s prior forgiveness in Christ. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25 that a persistently unforgiving spirit contradicts a claim to welcome the Father’s mercy. Matthew 18:21-22 portrays forgiveness as continual, while Luke 6:37 joins it to mercy and freedom from condemning judgment.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Ephesians 4:32

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Mark 11:25

    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 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Matthew 6:15

    But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Matthew 18:21-22

    [21] Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I don't tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.

  • Matthew 6:14-15

    [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 6:37

    Don't judge, And you won't be judged. Don't condemn, And you won't be condemned. Set free, And you will be set free.

  • Colossians 3:13

    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.

  • James 5:16

    Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.

  • Luke 6:27

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

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