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What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Christianity.id Editorial Team·3 min read·Reviewed October 2026
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The short answer

The Bible teaches that God forgives everyone who turns to him, freely and completely, through Christ — and that people who have been forgiven are called to forgive others. Forgiveness means releasing the debt and the right to revenge; it does not mean pretending the wrong was small, excusing abuse, or necessarily restoring trust straight away.

God's forgiveness comes first

The whole Bible story bends toward forgiveness: "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). On the cross Jesus prayed for his executioners, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34, KJV). Christians forgive because they have been forgiven: "forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32, KJV).

Why Jesus took it so seriously

Forgiveness is the only line of the Lord's Prayer Jesus comments on afterwards (Matthew 6:14–15). When Peter asked whether forgiving seven times was enough, Jesus said seventy times seven, then told the parable of a servant forgiven a vast debt who refused to forgive a small one (Matthew 18:21–35). The point is proportion: what we have received dwarfs what we are asked to give.

What forgiveness is not

  • Not saying it didn't matter. You can only forgive a real wrong.
  • Not the same as trust. Forgiveness can be given in a moment; trust is rebuilt over time and may sometimes not be wise to restore.
  • Not staying in danger. Forgiving an abuser never requires remaining in harm's way or avoiding the authorities.
  • Not a feeling. It is often a decision repeated many times before the feelings follow.

When it feels impossible

Start by being honest with God about the hurt — the Psalms model this. Pray for the ability to want to forgive. Consider writing down what was taken from you, and then, in prayer, release the debt. Many Christians find that a pastor, priest or counsellor helps with deep wounds. Catholic and Orthodox Christians also receive God's forgiveness in the sacrament of confession; many Protestants confess to God directly or to a trusted believer (James 5:16).

In Scripture

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
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
Matthew 18:21–35Luke 15:11–32Matthew 6:9–15Genesis 45 (Joseph)Colossians 3:12–15

Where the traditions differ

CatholicGod's forgiveness received in baptism and, for later sin, in the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession to a priest).
OrthodoxConfession as a mystery of healing, usually before a priest with an icon of Christ; Forgiveness Sunday opens Lent.
ProtestantConfession directly to God; mutual confession among believers encouraged; Anglicans and Lutherans also offer private confession.

Each position is attributed to the tradition that holds it; we do not rank them. See the full comparison.

Context

The Greek aphiēmi, translated 'forgive', literally means to let go or send away — the same word used for releasing a debt.

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Continue your study

Go deeperExplore confession and reconciliation in greater depth at Confession.id.