Forgiveness is one of the hardest and most liberating things there is. The Bible speaks of it in two directions: God forgives us – and we are to forgive one another. Here you will find 22 Bible verses about forgiveness, for times of your own guilt and for times when you want to forgive others.
God forgives
Verses about God's forgiveness, which is greater than any guilt.
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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9GuiltConfession of sins
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As far as the morning from the evening, so he removes our transgressions.
Psalm 103:12
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Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.
Psalm 103:3
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Come then, and let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; and though they be like crimson, they shall be like wool.
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I, even I, will blot out your transgressions for my own sake, and remember your sins no more.
Isaiah 43:25
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He will have compassion on us again, will blot out our iniquities, and cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:19SeaNew beginning
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Therefore I confessed my sin to you, and hid not my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD; and he forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 32:5GuiltConfession of sins
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Through whose blood we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
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Through whose blood we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:14
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Repent therefore and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 3:19RepentanceConversion
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For I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sins no more.
Jeremiah 31:34b
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But Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!
Luke 23:34aGood FridayCrucifixion
Forgiving one another
He who has received forgiveness is called to forgive.
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And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:12Our Father
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For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15Our Father
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Then Peter came to him and asked, Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Is seven times enough? Jesus said to him, I say to you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22
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And bear with one another, and forgive one another, even as Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:13ConflictReconciliation
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But be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32ReconciliationRelationships
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And when you stand and pray, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25
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Judge not, that you be not judged. Condemn not, that you be not condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.
Luke 6:37Judging
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Take heed! If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes to you seven times in a day, saying, I repent, then you shall forgive him.
Luke 17:3-4
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He who is patient is wise, and is honored because he can endure evil.
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Do not avenge yourselves, my beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the LORD.
Romans 12:19PunishmentAnger
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
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How God forgives
The Bible uses powerful imagery for God's forgiveness: He casts sins “into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19), removes them “as far as the morning from the evening” (Psalm 103:12), and will “remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Forgiveness therefore does not mean that God downplays guilt, but that he removes it from the relationship. John makes it simple: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). You can find verses about confession under Bible verses about confession of sins.
Forgiving others – even when it is difficult
Peter asks Jesus whether forgiving seven times is enough. Jesus answers: “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22) – so without end. This does not mean downplaying wrongdoing or allowing yourself to be hurt again. Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time act, and it means first: I give up my right to revenge and leave judgment to God (Romans 12:19). Whether reconciliation is possible afterward also depends on the other person. Find out more under Bible verses about reconciliation and Bible verses for conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you forgive?
Jesus answers Peter: “not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). This means: again and again, without counting.
Do I have to forgive if the other person does not apologize?
Forgiveness can happen unilaterally – you let go of the demand and leave judgment to God (Romans 12:19). Reconciliation, on the other hand, requires both sides.
