In order for God to forgive us, we MUST FORGIVE OTHERS for whatever wrong they have done to us. It sounds simple, but it is not. That is why we need the grace of God to do it so that, at the end of the day, we will not allow the sun to go down with unforgiveness entrenched in our hearts.
The following Bible verses teach us about forgiving those who have offended us.
Matthew 18:21-35
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’
Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.’
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison until he paid the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ and his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he paid all that was due him.
So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
To me, this is a classic example of forgiveness you can use to teach about forgiveness to any gathering of saints and non-believers as well. It teaches how we ignore the forgiveness God has extended to us but still hold on to grudges and unforgiveness against our fellow brethren and also non-believers. The punishment meted out to the wicked servant is on the spot because he refused to reciprocate his master’s gesture of forgiveness. So concerning who it was that offended you, whoever it hurt, I will advise you to let go and let God!
1 Peter 3:9
“Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”
In this passage, the Apostle Peter teaches against unforgiveness that leads to revenge but instead implores us to bless those who offend us. This is because, as believers, we have been called to bless and not revenge. When we do this, we are rewarded with a blessing from God.
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
This passage provides believers with what we may call a ‘code of conduct’ that defines how to relate with fellow brethren and, by extension, non-believers. It calls on believers to emulate Christ when it comes to forgiving those who offend them. In addition, the passage calls on believers to be merciful, kind, humble, meek, and longsuffering.
Ephesians 4:32
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
In this scripture, the Apostle Paul encourages the brethren at Ephesus to follow the example set by God of forgiving sinners through Christ.
James 2:13
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
According to this scripture, those who forgive and show others mercy will receive the same treatment from God.
James 5:16
“Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
This scripture urges believers to open up to each other whenever offenses arise among them and render forgiveness accordingly so that they may be healed.
Luke 17:3-4
“Take heed to yourselves. 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 seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
In this passage, Jesus encourages His disciples to learn to forgive their brothers countless times, as long as they repent.
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
In this scripture, Jesus teaches us an important principle about obtaining forgiveness from God: God only shows mercy to those who forgive others.
Mark 11:25
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses.”
Here, we learn an important principle about how to pray. We learn that when you begin to pray and remember that you have an issue with somebody, forgive them first, and then continue with the prayer. Failure to do so will prevent God from answering your prayer for forgiveness in any area in which you have offended Him.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go away. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Here, Jesus teaches an important principle about how to make your gift acceptable to God. He says that when you bring a gift to God and then recall that there is some issue your brother has against you, do not go ahead and offer it. Instead, first go and look for him, settle your differences with him, and then come back and offer that gift. It is only by so doing that the gift will be accepted by God.
Matthew 6:14-15
“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 your trespasses.”
Again, Jesus teaches that for you to obtain forgiveness from God, you must learn to forgive others.
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.’
Here, Jesus teaches his disciples to settle disputes that arise between them privately. Consequently, if a brother errs against another, the one offended should confront the offender in PRIVATE. If the offender refuses to hear, then the one who was offended should inform the church. If he refuses to hear the church, then he should be left to himself.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’
Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
In this passage, Jesus is teaching his disciples that it doesn’t matter how many times a brother offends you. As long as he comes back to you asking for forgiveness, you should forgive him.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil. Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.”
This scripture implores believers to always forgive those who offend them and leave vengeance to God.
Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.’”
This scripture exhorts believers against avenging themselves.
Romans 12:19-21
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.
Therefore, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give a drink; for in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head.’
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In this passage, we learn from the Apostle Paul that revenge belongs to God and we have no business engaging in it. He also outlines some kind of code of conduct’ on how to treat your enemy when he is hungry and thirsty. He says that, you should give him food when he is hungry and a drink when he is thirsty. By so doing, Paul continues, you will be rewarded by God because you have overcome evil with good.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
In this scripture, the Apostle Paul again urges believers not to repay evil for evil but seek that which will benefit everyone, whether believer or non-believer.
1 Corinthians 4:12–13
“And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”
This is another example of scripture explaining how believers should relate to those who render evil to them. Again, the message is: Render good to those who do evil to you.
Bible verses teaching about forgiveness of God
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This scripture assures us of forgiveness from God whenever we repent.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This scripture teaches us how believers can humble themselves before the LORD in order to obtain mercy and get their land healed.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
This passage teaches that when we are born again, God FORGIVES ALL OUR SINS and we begin our lives afresh; it is like a new birth.
Acts 10:43
“To Him all the people witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
Here, a promise is made of forgiveness of sins to all who believe in the saving power of the gospel of Christ.
Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said to them, ‘repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
This passage gives the steps one should follow to become born again and receive the promise of the Holy Spirit, namely, confession, repentance, and baptism by water.
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”
In this scripture, the Apostle Peter implores the men of Jerusalem to turn away from their sins and receive Jesus, whom they crucified, as their savior in order for God to send times of refreshment.
Colossians 1:13-14
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
This passage describes how forgiveness of our sins through the shed blood of Jesus has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God.
Daniel 9:9
“To the Lord, our God, belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.”
According to this passage, Daniel encourages us that God is always willing to forgive us our sins when we repent in spite of our rebellious ways.
Ephesians 1:7-8
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.”
This scripture tells of how the blood of Jesus purchased for us forgiveness of sin so that we may become partakers of God’s grace.
Hebrews 10:17
“Then He adds, ‘their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’”
This is a promise of forgiveness as given by Christ Jesus to all who repent of their sins.
Isaiah 43:25-26
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
Here, God speaks of His willingness to forgive Israel of their transgressions and remember them no more.
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
This is a plea by God speaking through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, urging Israel to turn from their wickedness in order to obtain mercy from God.
Jeremiah 31:34
“No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD, ‘for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.’’”
This is a promise by God, spoken by the prophet Jeremiah to Israel, concerning His forgiveness for their nation.
Luke 23:34
“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’”
These were the words of Jesus addressed to God, concerning those who had crucified Him and thought that by doing so, they were serving God. This happened moments before Jesus gave up His ghost and died for our sins so that we could obtain forgiveness from the Father.
Luke 7:47
“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
These words were spoken by Jesus concerning a certain woman who was considered a sinner and who came to anoint the feet of Jesus with some fragrant oil. As result, she obtained forgiveness of sin because of her faith.
Numbers 14:19-21
“Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”
These were the words of Moses, interceding for the children of Israel for their sin of rebellion against God. It so happened that ten of the twelve spies sent by Moses to the land of Canaan brought back an evil report that greatly frightened and demoralized the people. As a result, the people decided to stone Moses and Aaron and began talking about returning to Egypt. At this point, the anger of the LORD rose against the people, and He intended to destroy them. It was at this point that Moses stood between the people and God to plead for forgiveness, and the LORD relented.
Psalm 103:11-12
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
This scripture speaks of the nature of God’s forgiveness. When He forgives His people, He completely separates them from their sins. He no longer remembers their sins anymore, meaning that He does punish the people according to the sins for which He pardoned them.
Psalm 32:5
“I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.’”
This is a Psalm of David that teaches us to acknowledge all our sins before God in order to receive forgiveness.
Psalm 65:3
“Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.”
This is another Psalm that teaches us about the willingness of God to pardon the multitude of iniquities that frequently pursue us.
Psalm 86:5
“For you, Lord, are good, and you are ready to forgive, and you are abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”
This Psalm teaches about the goodness and willingness of God to forgive those who call on His name for salvation.
Romans 12:17
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for godly things in the sight of all men.”
Here, the Apostle Paul is pleading with the brethren never to give room for revenge but instead to learn to pardon those who trespass against them.
I hope the information was helpful. Thank you.
Related Post: What does the Bible mean by an eye for an eye?
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Are you a born-again Christian? If not, kindly say the following prayer from the bottom of your heart, and you will get saved.
Prayer to become a born-again Christian
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness;
I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are the only begotten Son of the living God.
I believe that you were sent by your Father to the earth to save sinners like me.
I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.
Come into my heart and baptize me with The Holy Spirit.
Thank you for saving me.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen!”
Congratulations friend! You are now a born-again Christian!
Welcome to the Family of God!
Benediction
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Shalom.
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/
My name is Nicodemus. I'm a Kenyan by birth. I got saved about 30 years ago while in high school. I love studying scriptures in order to enhance my comprehension of God and His plan for mankind. I have a BSc in botany, zoology, and chemistry from the University of Nairobi and an MBA in strategic management from Egerton University. I’m married to a lovely lady called Leah. God has gifted us with three sons: Wayne, Salem, and Michael.
