Forgiveness isn’t always easy. When someone hurts us deeply, our natural response might be anger, bitterness, or even revenge. But the Bible gives us a different path. It tells us that if we want to receive forgiveness, we must also extend it.
The phrase forgive and you shall be forgiven isn’t just about being kind—it’s a deep spiritual principle that reflects the very heart of God. Forgiveness sets both the forgiver and the forgiven free.
In this post, we’ll explore 35 Bible verses that teach us about the power, responsibility, and beauty of forgiveness. Each verse reminds us that to live in the grace of God, we must also give grace to others.
1. Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Explanation:
Jesus directly ties our forgiveness of others to the forgiveness we receive. It’s a spiritual principle that invites grace both ways.
2. Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Explanation:
Forgiveness is a two-way street. God’s mercy flows through us when we offer it to others.
3. Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Explanation:
This verse warns us that holding onto unforgiveness can block our own experience of God’s mercy.
4. Colossians 3:13
…forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Explanation:
Paul reminds believers to forgive because they’ve been forgiven. God’s example is our standard.
5. Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Explanation:
Forgiveness comes from a heart softened by God’s love. It reflects how deeply we understand His grace.
6. Mark 11:25
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone…
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is a priority—even when we’re in prayer. It clears the way for deeper communion with God.
7. Matthew 18:21-22
“Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” … “Seventy-seven times.”
Explanation:
Jesus encourages unlimited forgiveness. It’s not about counting offenses, but living with a forgiving heart.
8. Luke 17:3-4
…and if he sins against you seven times… and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.
Explanation:
Repeated offenses don’t excuse unforgiveness. We are called to forgive every time.
9. Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Explanation:
Forgiveness builds love and unity. Holding grudges only divides.
10. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness is total. He removes our sins completely—and that’s the kind of forgiveness we’re called to reflect.
11. Isaiah 1:18
…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness transforms us completely. No sin is too great for His mercy.
12. Micah 7:18-19
He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
Explanation:
God delights in mercy and forgiveness. He casts our sins away and gives us new life.
13. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness is always available when we come to Him in humility and truth.
14. Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness…
Explanation:
Forgiveness isn’t something God gives reluctantly—it’s part of His very nature.
15. Psalm 32:1
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Explanation:
There’s joy and peace in knowing you’re forgiven. It’s a gift we’re meant to share with others.
16. Romans 12:17-18
Repay no one evil for evil… live peaceably with all.
Explanation:
Forgiveness means choosing peace over revenge. It leads to healthier relationships.
17. Romans 12:19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…
Explanation:
God sees every wrong. We don’t need to hold onto anger—He is just.
18. James 5:15
…if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness brings not only healing but restoration to the soul.
19. James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
Explanation:
Forgiveness leads to healing—both physically and spiritually. Honest confession opens the door to grace.
20. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Explanation:
Being merciful is part of living like Jesus. What we give comes back to us.
21. Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Explanation:
Even in His pain, Jesus forgave. His example teaches us the power of mercy, even in hard moments.
22. Acts 3:19
Repent… that your sins may be blotted out…
Explanation:
God is always ready to forgive when we turn back to Him. Our past doesn’t have to define us.
23. Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful… and I will remember their sins no more.
Explanation:
God chooses to forget our sins once forgiven. We can learn to let go like He does.
24. Matthew 9:6
…the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…
Explanation:
Jesus has full authority to forgive. He gives us the same power through grace to release others.
25. Acts 13:38
…that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you…
Explanation:
Jesus is the source of all forgiveness. Our ability to forgive flows from Him.
26. Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption… the forgiveness of our trespasses…
Explanation:
Forgiveness is part of our redemption. It’s what restores our relationship with God.
27. 2 Corinthians 2:7
…you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him…
Explanation:
When someone has repented, forgiveness restores. It brings people back into fellowship.
28. 2 Corinthians 2:10
…what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake…
Explanation:
Forgiveness benefits the whole community. It strengthens unity.
29. Galatians 6:1
…restore him in a spirit of gentleness…
Explanation:
Forgiveness involves restoring others, not punishing or shaming them.
30. Colossians 1:13-14
…in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Explanation:
God forgives us completely in Christ. That truth gives us freedom and hope.
31. Psalm 86:5
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving…
Explanation:
God’s goodness is expressed in His constant willingness to forgive.
32. Nehemiah 9:17
…you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful…
Explanation:
God doesn’t hold grudges. He is always ready to forgive when we return to Him.
33. Isaiah 55:7
Let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion… for he will abundantly pardon.
Explanation:
God’s forgiveness is never limited. His mercy is more than enough for every sin.
34. Jonah 4:2
…a God merciful and slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…
Explanation:
God forgave even the people of Nineveh when they repented. His love has no boundaries.
35. Matthew 18:35
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.
Explanation:
Forgiveness must come from the heart—not just words. God looks at the sincerity behind our actions.
Final Thoughts
The message behind “bible verse forgive and you shall be forgiven” is deeply personal. It reminds us that forgiveness isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a command rooted in love.
When we forgive others, we open our hearts to receive God’s healing and mercy. Forgiveness frees us, restores relationships, and reflects the character of Christ.
Which of these verses touched your heart today? Have you experienced healing through forgiveness? Share your thoughts, favorite scriptures, or personal stories in the comments below.
Let’s grow in grace and forgiveness—together.