What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Grace Received. Grace Extended.

At Church of Grace, we believe forgiveness isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live out. It’s central to our faith and foundational to our relationship with God and others. But let’s be honest—sometimes, forgiveness is hard. It hurts. It feels unfair. And yet, it’s one of the most powerful, healing, and freeing gifts God has given us.

So what does the Bible actually say about forgiveness? Let’s explore how God forgives us, how we can forgive others, and how forgiveness leads us into freedom.

What Is Forgiveness in the Bible?

Biblical forgiveness isn’t about pretending something didn’t happen or ignoring the pain. It’s about releasing the offense, canceling the debt, and making space for grace.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
 – Psalm 103:12

God doesn’t hold our sins over our heads. When we come to Him through Jesus, He forgives completely, not halfway. That same grace we receive? We’re called to extend it.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
 – Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is God’s heart. Jesus is the ultimate picture of it.

Jesus Is Forgiveness

From the cross, Jesus spoke the most radical words:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
 – Luke 23:34

He forgave in the middle of His terrible pain and suffering. That’s not just mercy—that’s who He is. His Name reveals His character as one who “forgives iniquity, wickedness, and sin.”

  • He died to carry our sins.
  • He rose to bring us new life.
  • He invites us into a relationship where mercy is the foundation and grace never runs dry.

Scriptures That Speak to Forgiveness

The Bible is filled with verses that reveal how forgiveness restores and transforms:

  • Ephesians 4:32
    “Be kind and compassionate... forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

  • Matthew 6:14-15
    “If you forgive others... your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

  • 1 John 1:9
    “If we confess our sins, He is faithful... and will forgive us.”

  • Mark 11:25
    “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them…”

Forgiveness isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a rhythm of grace that shapes the life of a believer.

How to Ask God for Forgiveness

God’s forgiveness is available to anyone who asks with a sincere heart. Here’s how the Bible guides us:

1. Recognize the Need

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

We don’t clean ourselves up to come to God. We come broken—and He restores. He desires naked humility before Him, we bring nothing to the table but ourselves trusting in the work of Jesus.

2. Confess Honestly

“I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
 – Psalm 32:5

No hiding. No filters. Just honesty before a God who already knows—and still loves. The Psalms are full of vulnerability, honesty, and transparency before God, it is truly freeing and healing to our hearts.

3. Turn and Receive Grace

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out...” – Acts 3:19

Repentance means we turn from sin and toward, in faith, the One who saves.

4. Trust in the Cross

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” – Hebrews 9:22

Jesus paid the full price—so you don’t have to carry guilt anymore. You don’t need to hide from God in shame, He desires to clothe you with His own righteousness and identity.

Why Forgiveness Matters

Forgiveness isn’t just about a moment. It’s a lifestyle that leads to freedom, healing, and peace.

1. Forgiveness Brings Freedom

Holding onto bitterness only weighs us down. Jesus invites us to lay it at His feet.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

2. Forgiveness Restores Relationships

God’s heart is reconciliation. Just as He restored us, He calls us to restore with others.

“He gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18

3. Forgiveness Reflects Jesus

When we forgive, we look more like Christ—and reveal His love to the world.

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35

How to Forgive When It’s Hard

Let’s be real—some wounds go deep. But God gives us tools (and grace) to walk the hard road of forgiveness.

Pray for Them

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

Prayer doesn’t always change the other person—but it always changes our heart. This may be extremely difficult at first, but with time, you will experience true healing.

Choose to Forgive

Forgiveness is an act of obedience, not emotion. You may not feel like forgiving, but you can choose to. This choice is the first step to being free.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Lean on God’s Strength

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

You don’t have to do this alone. The Spirit gives you power to do what feels impossible.

Let It Go and Trust God

“Do not take revenge... leave room for God’s justice.” – Romans 12:19

Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending nothing happened. It means trusting that God is just—and you don’t have to carry the burden anymore. Forgiving doesn’t mean you need to be best friends with the one who hurt you, trust must be rebuilt. This is about you trusting in God.

Jesus Forgives—and Makes You New

“By His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

Jesus didn’t just offer forgiveness—He became forgiveness. His death and resurrection make a way for every sin to be wiped clean. He doesn’t just fix what’s broken—He makes you new.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Final Encouragement

Forgiveness is where healing begins.
 It’s where freedom lives.
 It’s where the Gospel becomes real—not just for you, but through you.

At Church of Grace, we want you to know:

You are never too far gone.
There is no sin too big.
There is no wound too deep.
Jesus forgives. And in Him, you can forgive too.

So today—receive God’s grace. Release the offense. And walk in the peace that only forgiveness can bring.

Forgiven people forgive. And grace always wins.