The Bible covers a broad spectrum of topics, including forgiveness. As Christians, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us and turn the other cheek. We’re not called to seek revenge and get even. However, the Bible also says different things about forgiveness. Let’s take a look at several ways that the Bible references forgiveness.
1. Confess and be forgiven.
John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” The Bible says that if we are honest with God about what we have done, we can be at peace knowing He will forgive us. He won’t hold our wrongs over our heads; instead, he’ll show us grace because of Jesus.
2. Seek forgiveness and change your life.
Romans 5:8-9 says, “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” Some people think that to be forgiven by God, you must change your life and ask for repentance. However, according to the Bible, it’s the other way around. Come before God to confess your sins, and he will help you change your life.
3. Nobody is too bad to receive forgiveness.
Isaiah 55:7 says, “Let the wicked change their ways and banish the thought of doing wrong. May they turn to the Lord so He may be merciful.” Some might think what they’ve done is too terrible for God to give them grace, but this is false. There’s nothing you can do to separate yourself from God, and nobody is too bad to be granted forgiveness.
4. God isn’t overwhelmed by our sins.
Psalm 65:3 says, “Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.” In a fallen world where it’s easy to make mistakes and sin, it’s also easy to get overwhelmed by our shortcomings. You might tie your shortcomings to your self-worth, but God doesn’t. The Bible says that He doesn’t get overwhelmed by all our wrongs, even if you feel like they’re a lot.
5. It’s free to be forgiven.
Romans 4:5 says, “But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” If you’re a relatively new Christian, the concept of not being able to earn or deserve forgiveness might be hard to grasp. But the reality is, as the Bible shows, that God’s grace is free. Jesus died so we could be automatically pardoned in God’s eyes without having to earn his pardon.
6. God’s forgiveness is unique.
Micah 7:18 says, “Where is another God like You, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people?” God’s forgiveness is unique and different from other deities and religions. In most other beliefs, you have to earn forgiveness through a specific laundry list of tasks. However, the Bible makes it clear that God’s forgiveness of those who love Him makes it special and unique.
7. Forgiveness is essential for relationships.
Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” The Bible makes it clear that for us to have healthy relationships, we need to master the power of forgiveness. Instead of holding onto grudges and resenting our partners, we must show them grace and allow them a second chance if they hurt us.
8. There is joy in forgiveness.
Psalm 32:1 says, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” Many people have trouble seeking forgiveness because it requires humility. It’s a direct challenge to human nature to put down our pride and accept the need for forgiveness. However, the Bible clarifies that rather than being a chore, it’s joyful to be forgiven.
9. Forgiveness allows you to love.
Luke 7:47 says, “I tell you, her sins—and there are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” When we aren’t forgiven our sins and mistakes, it’s difficult for love to prosper. The Bible says that when you are truly forgiven, the result is love. Not only are you loved by God, but this Godly love inspires you to show love to others, too.
10. Forgiveness leads to respect.
Psalm 130:3-4 says, “Lord if you kept a record of our sins…who could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear You.” The Bible clearly states that the direct result of forgiveness is respect. This is also a good reminder that we don’t have to be afraid of God our Father, but instead revere him, ask for his forgiveness, and show respect. This also spills into your relationships—you can’t have respect without forgiveness.
11. Forgiveness eliminates bitterness.
Hebrews 12:14-15 says, “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” As you know, forgiveness is essential for a healthy relationship without resentment. However, it also helps the one who has forgiven to let go of poisonous thoughts. When you refuse to forgive someone, the person you’re hurting is yourself, as the resentment you hold against them turns rotten inside you, causing you to become bitter and angry.
12. Forgiveness allows for mistakes.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” When you learn the art of forgiving others for their mistakes, you learn to leave room for people to make mistakes in the first place. We live in a fallen world, so it’s inevitable that those around you will mess up, and if you’re quick to forgive, they feel safe to be vulnerable with you.
13. There is no limit to His forgiveness.
Matthew 18:21-22 says, “Then Peter came to Him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, not seven times, Jesus replied, but seventy times seven!” The Bible clearly states how many times we should be willing to forgive those who wrong us. They don’t deserve just one chance or two, they deserve as many as they need to get it right. The same goes for God – there is no limit to how often he’s willing to forgive us.
14. Forgiving and forgetting are different.
Luke 17:3 says, “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” Just because someone has sinned and you’ve forgiven them doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to call them out. There might be an important lesson that they can learn there. There’s a difference between forgiving someone and not speaking up about their shortcomings. People can learn and move on when you speak the truth in love.
15. Jesus is the ultimate example of forgiveness.
Luke 23:34 says, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” If we need an ultimate reminder of what forgiveness looks like, we must turn to the Bible and read about Jesus’s death on the cross. Even in this moment of betrayal, he could forgive those who had wronged Him. If He can show us this ultimate example of forgiveness, we can surely forgive those around us.