What does the Bible say about forgiving a friend?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls believers to forgive a friend freely and sincerely, because God in Christ has forgiven them. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 ground forgiveness in the mercy we have received, while Ephesians 4:31 urges us to put away bitterness, wrath, and malice. Jesus teaches in Luke 6:37 and Mark 11:25 that forgiving others belongs to a life shaped by God's grace. This does not deny real hurt or excuse sin, but entrusts justice to God and seeks peace where possible. A gentle answer, love for enemies, and refusal to repay evil for evil reflect Christ's transforming work in us.
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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.
- 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.
- Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.
- 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.
- Ephesians 4:26-27
[26] "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] neither give place to the devil.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Luke 6:27
"But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
- 1 Peter 3:9
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
- 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.
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