Few topics in the Bible are as important—or as challenging—as forgiveness. It stands at the very centre of the gospel: God forgiving sinners through the sacrifice of His Son. And it shapes how we relate to every person in our lives. If you want to understand what the Bible teaches about forgiveness, you need to understand both sides: God’s forgiveness of us and our forgiveness of others.
God’s Forgiveness of Us
The Foundation: Christ’s Sacrifice
Forgiveness is not free—it was purchased at an immeasurable cost. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7 KJV). Every sin you have ever committed was paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Complete and Permanent
When God forgives, He forgives completely. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12 KJV). God does not partially forgive. He does not hold your sins in reserve to use against you later. His forgiveness is total and eternal.
“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25 KJV).
Available to All Who Believe
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV). Forgiveness is available to anyone who comes to God through Christ. No sin is too great. No past is too dark. The blood of Christ is sufficient.
Forgiving Others
A Command, Not a Suggestion
Jesus made it clear that forgiven people must be forgiving people. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV). The basis for forgiving others is the forgiveness we have received from God.
How Many Times?
When Peter asked Jesus how many times to forgive someone, suggesting seven times, Jesus answered, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22 KJV). The point is not a mathematical limit but unlimited forgiveness.
What Forgiveness Is and Is Not
Forgiveness Is:
- A choice, not a feeling. You can choose to forgive before your emotions catch up.
- Releasing the debt. It means choosing not to hold someone’s sin against them.
- Obedience to God. You forgive because God commands it and because He forgave you.
- A process. Deep wounds may require forgiving the same offence repeatedly as painful memories surface.
Forgiveness Is Not:
- Pretending it did not happen. Forgiveness acknowledges the wrong while choosing not to hold it against the offender.
- Automatic trust. Forgiveness and trust are different. Trust must be rebuilt over time.
- Excusing sin. Forgiveness does not mean what happened was acceptable.
- Always reconciliation. In cases of abuse or danger, forgiveness can happen without restoring the relationship to what it was.
The Consequences of Unforgiveness
Refusing to forgive is spiritually dangerous. Jesus said, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15 KJV). This does not mean we lose our salvation. It means that unforgiveness disrupts our fellowship with God and blocks the experience of His grace in our daily lives.
Unforgiveness also harms us. Bitterness, anger, and resentment are poisons we drink while expecting someone else to suffer. “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15 KJV).
Steps to Forgive
- Acknowledge the hurt honestly before God
- Remember how much God has forgiven you
- Choose to release the offender from the debt they owe you
- Pray for the person who hurt you
- Repeat as needed when bitterness resurfaces
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things you will ever do—and one of the most freeing. It is the overflow of a heart that has been transformed by the grace of God. Receive His forgiveness. Extend it to others. And experience the freedom that comes from living in grace.