What the Bible says
Forgiving others begins with knowing we are forgiven. In Christ “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). From there flows the command: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Paul says it again: “even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13). The measure of our forgiving is His forgiving.
Peter asked if seven times was enough. Jesus answered, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). Then He told of a servant forgiven a debt he could never pay, who would not forgive a small one. The master said, “I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?” (Matthew 18:32–33).
Jesus forgave in the hour of His greatest suffering. From the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Stephen followed his Lord as the stones fell: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). Jesus teaches us to pray the same way: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12), and to “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you” (Luke 6:27).
Forgiving does not mean saying the wrong did not matter. It means handing the case to God. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Unforgiveness grows a “root of bitterness springing up” that will “trouble you” (Hebrews 12:15). Joseph could tell his brothers, “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20).
14 verses, King James Version
Matthew 18:32–33
Forgiven much, called to show mercy
32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Romans 12:19
Vengeance belongs to the Lord
19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Acts 7:60
Stephen forgave as Jesus did
60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Hebrews 12:15
Beware the root of bitterness
15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Ephesians 4:32
Forgive as God forgave you in Christ
32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:12–13
Bear with and forgive one another
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Matthew 18:21–22
Forgiveness without keeping count
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 6:14–15
Forgiven people forgive
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25
Forgive when you pray
25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Luke 6:27–28
Love and pray for those who hurt you
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 23:34
Jesus forgave from the cross
34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Genesis 50:19–21
Joseph saw God’s good purpose
19And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
1 Peter 3:9
Bless instead of getting even
9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Luke 17:3–4
Honest rebuke and ready forgiveness
3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). Read aloud by Anthony.