What does the Bible say about forgiving one another?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls believers to forgive one another freely and repeatedly, because God has graciously forgiven them in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 ground our forgiveness in the tender mercy shown to us by the Lord. Jesus teaches in Luke 17:3-4 and Matthew 18:21-35 that forgiveness does not keep score, but responds to genuine repentance with mercy, while also taking sin seriously. We are forbidden to nurture condemning, vengeful hearts, and are urged to forgive when we pray, as Mark 11:25 says. Such forgiveness is not denial of justice or wisdom about harmful situations; it is a gospel-shaped release of personal vengeance to God.