What does the Bible say about forgiving?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God graciously forgives repentant sinners through Christ and calls His people to extend that same forgiving mercy to others. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 ground our forgiveness of one another in God’s forgiveness of us. Jesus commands continual, patient forgiveness when a brother repents, even repeatedly, in Luke 17:3-4 and Matthew 18:21-22. Mark 11:25 and Luke 6:37 warn against cherishing a condemning, unforgiving spirit. This does not deny justice or excuse sin, but leaves vengeance to God while pursuing reconciliation where possible. Proverbs 19:11 commends overlooking offenses, and 1 John 1:9 assures believers that God faithfully cleanses those who confess their sins.
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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.
- Luke 17:3-4
[3] Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. [4] If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
- 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.
- Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
- 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.
- Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all wrongs.
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