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What does the Bible say about forgiveness for others?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible commands believers to forgive others from the heart, reflecting the abundant mercy God has shown them in Christ. Jesus teaches that those forgiven by the Father must not cling to resentment or refuse mercy to others, while also calling sin what it is. In Matthew 6:14-15 and the parable of Matthew 18:21-35, forgiveness is presented as a necessary fruit of receiving God’s grace, not a way to earn it. Ephesians 4:32 grounds this command in God’s forgiveness in Christ, and Luke 23:34 displays Jesus’ own merciful posture toward His enemies. Luke 17:3-4 also joins forgiveness with loving rebuke and repentance, encouraging ongoing reconciliation where possible.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Matthew 6:14-15 9 votes

    “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Ephesians 4:32 7 votes

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

  • Luke 23:34 4 votes

    Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

  • Matthew 6:15 4 votes

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

  • Matthew 18:21-35 4 votes

    Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. When he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay back that which was due. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him in and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.”

  • Matthew 6:14 3 votes

    “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

  • Romans 8:28 3 votes

    We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

  • Luke 17:3-4 2 votes

    Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

  • John 3:19 2 votes

    This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil.

  • Matthew 6:9-13 2 votes

    Pray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’

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