What does the Bible say about forgiveness of injuries?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls believers to forgive those who wrong them, reflecting God’s abundant mercy in Christ, while entrusting justice and vengeance to the Lord. Jesus prayed for His persecutors in Luke 23:34 and taught continual forgiveness in Matthew 18:22 and Luke 17:4. Mark 11:25 connects forgiving others with prayerful dependence on the Father’s forgiveness. Romans 12:19 forbids personal vengeance, not the pursuit of lawful justice, because God judges righteously. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 ground forgiveness in the gospel: Christians forgive because God has forgiven them in Christ. This forgiveness does not deny real injury, but releases personal retaliation and seeks mercy, peace, and reconciliation where possible.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Christ set an example of Luke 23:34
- Commanded Mark 11:25; Romans 12:19
- To be unlimited Matthew 18:22; Luke 17:4
- A characteristic of saints Psalms 7:4
- Motives to
- The mercy of God Luke 6:36
- Our need of forgiveness Mark 11:25
- God’s forgiveness of us Ephesians 4:32
- Christ’s forgiveness of us Colossians 3:13
- A glory to saints Proverbs 19:11
- Should be accompanied by
- Forbearance Colossians 3:13
- Kindness Genesis 45:5-11; Romans 12:20
- Blessing and prayer Matthew 5:44
- Promises to Matthew 6:14; Luke 6:37
- No forgiveness without Matthew 6:15; James 2:13
- Illustrated Matthew 18:23-35
- Exemplified
- Joseph Genesis 50:20; Genesis 50:21
- David 1 Samuel 24:7; 2 Samuel 18:5; 2 Samuel 19:23
- Solomon 1 Kings 1:53
- Stephen Acts 7:60
- Paul 2 Timothy 4:16
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