20 Inspiring Bible Verses About Forgiveness

We’ve all been there — moments when pain feels too deep to let go, when betrayal leaves a scar that seems impossible to heal. But the truth is, holding on to bitterness doesn’t protect us; it binds us. Bible verses about forgiveness – Let go and live free.

Forgiveness isn’t pretending the hurt never happened. It’s trusting God to heal what people broke. Faith in hard times – Encouragement when forgiveness feels impossible.

The Bible reminds us that forgiveness is a pathway to freedom. It’s not something we do because others deserve it, but because Christ forgave us first. When we forgive, we open the door for peace to enter and grace to flow.

Below are 20 powerful NKJV Bible verses about forgiveness that will help you release the past, embrace God’s mercy, and walk in His peace.

Discover the Healing Power of Forgiveness Through God’s Word

1. Ephesians 4:32

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

🌸 True kindness flows from a forgiven heart. When you forgive, you reflect God’s grace at work within you.

2. Colossians 3:13

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Forgiveness is not a suggestion — it’s a spiritual calling. To walk like Christ is to forgive like Christ.

3. Matthew 6:14–15

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

🔥 Forgiveness is the key that keeps heaven’s door open over your life.

4. Psalm 103:10–12

“He has not dealt with us according to our sins… as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

God doesn’t just forgive — He forgets. His love removes every trace of guilt and shame.

5. Isaiah 1:18

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

✨ God’s forgiveness isn’t partial — it’s complete. He washes away even the deepest stains of sin.

6. Mark 11:25

“Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him…”

💗 Unforgiveness hinders your prayers; forgiveness restores your spiritual flow.

7. 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.”

🙌 Confession opens the door to cleansing. Forgiveness isn’t earned — it’s received.

8. Luke 6:37

“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

💞 When you forgive others, you plant the seeds of peace in your own soul.

9. Micah 7:18–19

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity… You will again have compassion on us.”

🌷 God’s mercy never runs dry. He delights in forgiving because His love never ends.

10. Matthew 18:21–22 

“‘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.’”

🔥 Forgiveness is not about counting offenses; it’s about releasing your heart from bondage.

11. Proverbs 17:9

“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.”

💖 Love doesn’t expose — it restores. Forgiveness keeps relationships rooted in grace.

12. Acts 3:19

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

🌬️ Forgiveness brings refreshment. When guilt fades, joy takes its place.

13. Daniel 9:9

“To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.”

🙏 Even in rebellion, God’s mercy remains. He forgives not because we are worthy, but because He is good.

14. Psalm 86:5

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

🌼 God never delays His forgiveness. The moment you call, His mercy answers.

15. Luke 23:34

“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’”

✝️ Even while suffering, Jesus forgave. That’s love in its purest form.

16. Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Forgiveness removes the weight of guilt. You are free because Christ carried your shame.

17. Hebrews 8:12

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

🌸 When God forgives, He wipes the slate clean — permanently.

18. James 5:15

“And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

🌿 Forgiveness heals more than the heart — it restores the soul.

19. 2 Chronicles 7:14

“If My people… will humble themselves and pray… I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

🔥 Forgiveness has power beyond the individual — it can heal a nation.

20. Nehemiah 9:17 

“But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness…”

💞 God’s patience is love in motion. His forgiveness is a never-ending river of grace.

Final Reflection: The Freedom of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not a one-time act — it’s a daily decision to live free.
When you forgive, you take your heart out of the enemy’s grip and place it back in God’s hands. The reason to love God.

So today, release the weight.
Forgive yourself. Forgive them.
Because when you do, peace will flood your soul, and grace will guide your steps.

Forgiveness is not about the past — it’s about your future in Christ.