22 Bible Verses About Forgiving and Forgetting (With Commentary)

Having a hard time forgiving others? You’re not the only one. It’s tough to let go of hurt and forgive those who did wrong. The Bible talks a lot about forgiveness, even if it doesn’t say “forgive and forget.” This article will look into what the scriptures say about letting go of anger, saying sorry, and how forgiveness is key for peace in our hearts and growing spiritually.

We’ll dig into Bible verses that show us how to make things right again, help us drop bitterness, explain why forgiving changes us, and show healing by forgiving others. We use stories from real life that show forgiveness in action.

Every part gives advice on embracing forgiveness fully. Want to feel at peace? Keep reading.

Encouragement to Forgive

Ephesians 4:31-32

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Let go of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander. Choose kindness and compassion instead. God forgave us through Christ Jesus, teaching us to forgive others in the same way.

This scripture shows the importance of dropping negative emotions.

Forgiving can heal relationships and hearts. It’s a decision we make—to forgive as God forgave us. This teaching is key to living in peace and forgiveness with each other.

Colossians 3:13

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Colossians 3:13 tells us to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have. It says, forgive as the Lord forgave you. This means we should let go of grudges and welcome grace, just like Jesus Christ’s endless mercy.

Forgiving others is crucial for showing God’s love and glory. This action requires deep compassion and understanding, making us generous in forgiveness. Our Father in heaven does not hold onto our wrongs, so we shouldn’t keep bitterness either.

Paul teaches that forgiving frees our hearts from unforgiveness and brings us closer to holiness.

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Matthew 6:14-15 tells us forgiveness is crucial in our walk with God. If we forgive people, God forgives us. But, if we don’t forgive, He won’t forgive us. This shows how treating others affects our spiritual health.

Holding onto anger stops us from feeling God’s grace. It acts as a wall against His forgiveness. These verses push us to decide to release grudges for our benefit and to follow Him.

By forgiving, we open the way to freedom and healing through Jesus’ name.

Luke 17:3-4

"So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them."

Luke 17:3-4 talks about forgiveness. Jesus told his disciples to forgive anyone who says they’re sorry for their mistakes. Even if they mess up seven times in one day but ask for forgiveness each time, we must forgive them.

This teaches us the importance of repentance and forgiving others.

Jesus didn’t just suggest forgiving; he commanded it. When someone apologizes after hurting us, we should forgive them right away. Letting go of anger helps us grow spiritually and brings believers closer together.

Mark 11:25

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Mark 11:25 says to forgive when you pray. This helps your prayers reach God better. Forgiveness is key in faith and talking to God.

Jesus shows that not forgiving can stop our spiritual growth. He tells us to forgive others, which brings us closer to God’s nature. It also keeps our relationships healthy.

Letting Go of Anger

Proverbs 29:11

"A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back."

Anger can take over, but wisdom teaches us to stay calm. The Bible says smart people control their anger. This helps us forgive and show love like God wants.

Staying calm is hard sometimes. Yet, the Bible guides us to avoid getting back at others for wrongs done. This way, we find more peace and follow God’s path of forgiveness and kindness.

We learn from this that managing our feelings is key to living a life filled with less struggle and more harmony, just as God teaches in His word.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

"Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools."

Ecclesiastes 7:9 tells us to avoid quick tempers. Solomon says patience is better than anger. This verse reminds us to reflect and control our temper. By doing this, we live the way God wants.

James 1:19-20

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

James 1:19-20 tells us to listen more, speak less, and stay calm. This wisdom helps us handle tough emotions better. God wants us to be patient and understand others. Trust in God makes forgiving easier.

Anger can block forgiveness and healing. Keeping tempers in check brings peace and happiness. It also heals relationships and brings us closer to the glory of God.

Ephesians 4:26-27

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. Do not give the devil an opportunity."

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:26-27 not to stay angry. Letting go of anger helps us avoid sin. It’s important to solve conflicts quickly and keep the devil away.

We learn about love, kindness, and mercy from these verses. Like Christ forgave us, we should forgive others too. Getting rid of bitterness and choosing forgiveness is what God wants for us.

The Power of Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-22

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’"

Peter asked Jesus about forgiving someone who sins against him, wondering if seven times was enough. Jesus said not just seven times but seventy times seven. This shows forgiveness should have no limits like God’s mercy towards us.

The story from Matthew 18:21-22 tells us that forgiving is a choice we make. We need to keep forgiving others, just as God always forgives us sinners without seeking reasons or holding onto bad feelings.

Luke 6:37

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Luke 6:37 shows us forgiveness matters to God. It says don’t judge or condemn others, or you’ll face the same. This teaches us about God’s nature—He values forgiveness.

Forgiving people is key to getting forgiveness from God. It connects to Jesus’ lessons on love, mercy, and not judging others.

People often discuss what this means for their faith. The main point is clear: choose forgiveness over condemning, and God will forgive you too.

This idea is deeply rooted in Jesus’ teachings found throughout the New Testament. Remembering to love your enemies is part of this big picture.

1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 tells us, confess our sins and God will forgive us. He cleanses us from all wrongs. This shows confession helps us get closer to God. It’s more than saying sorry; it’s a way to feel clean from mistakes.

Through the name of Jesus, God forgives us. This truth isn’t just words—it’s a promise. Admitting our wrongs means we’re forgiven because of His death and resurrection. This gives us comfort, knowing God welcomes our confessions with forgiveness.

Daniel 9:9

"The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him."

Daniel 9:9 highlights God’s mercy and forgiveness. Despite our mistakes, God stays compassionate. This verse is from Daniel’s prayer for mercy because of the people’s wrongs.

It shows hope in God’s readiness to forgive and fix things. Daniel realizes how much we need God’s forgiveness. This idea of mercy and forgiveness appears often when talking about Daniel 9.

Psalm 103:10-12

"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Psalm 103:10-12 shows us how God deals with our sins. He is full of mercy, not giving us the punishment we deserve. Instead, He wipes away our wrongs completely—like moving them as far as east is from west.

This shows His love and willingness to forgive us time and again.

This forgiveness ties into big ideas like Jesus’s sacrifice, being made right with God (justification), and becoming holy (sanctification). Through these actions, God’s huge love for us shines through.

He offers us a clean slate no matter what we’ve done before.

Healing Through Forgiveness

James 5:16

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

James 5:16 encourages us to share our sins and pray for each other. This helps heal our wounds. Prayers from righteous people are powerful and can bring change. They create a space where forgiveness grows, helping us repair relationships hurt by our actions.

Talking openly and praying clears us of wrongs. These steps stress the importance of making amends and show how they help prevent future sins. Only God, with His guidance, decides on the forgiveness of sins—this is something personal between an individual and God.

2 Chronicles 7:14

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that if we humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face—turning from our sins—He will forgive and heal us. This verse highlights the power of repentance and the steps to take towards healing.

It reminds us to be sincere when we seek forgiveness from God. Some people might misunderstand this verse if they don’t consider its full meaning. But really, it’s about how God listens and forgives when we truly want to change our ways.

We learn here that God’s willingness to forgive is linked directly with our genuine efforts. When we try hard to leave sin behind and seek Him with all our heart, He responds with kindness and forgiveness.

Jeremiah 31:34

"No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 31:34 says God promises to forgive and forget our sins. This is part of the new covenant, giving us a fresh start. People forgiven under this promise are less likely to sin again.

True forgiveness means forgetting wrongdoings too.

This idea shows how forgiving and forgetting sins reveal God’s nature. It helps us understand sanctification better. The atoning work through Jesus’ death and resurrection is key here.

Scholars look at how this promise fits with the benefits of the new covenant. Still, it highlights God’s willingness to forgive, setting the stage for our sanctification process.

Isaiah 43:25-26

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence."

God promises to forget our sins, as stated in Isaiah 43:25. He says, “I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” This is God’s decision of the will to forgive and not bring up our past wrongs again.

Then, in verse 26, God tells us to remind Him of His word with “Put Me in remembrance.” This doesn’t mean He forgets but invites us into a close relationship where we can ask for forgiveness openly.

It shows that God is forgiving and truly lets go of our mistakes for His sake.

Examples of Forgiveness

Genesis 50:17-21

"This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly. Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father."

In Genesis 50:17-21, Joseph’s brothers ask for forgiveness after their father dies. They feel guilty and fear punishment for past mistakes. Hearing this, Joseph cries, showing he is ready to make peace.

Forgiveness is important in these verses. It heals and fixes relationships. Joseph picks kindness instead of revenge, telling us forgiveness is powerful. His choice to forgive his brothers shows that mercy from God plays a big role in bringing people together again.

This act of forgiving helps fix family issues and strengthens bonds between them. Through this gesture, Joseph highlights the importance of divine kindness in our lives.

Luke 23:34

"Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."

Jesus, in his last moments, asked God to forgive those hurting him. This happened in Luke 23:34. It shows how much Jesus valued forgiveness and love. He prayed for people causing him pain.

His act teaches us about forgiving others, no matter what they do. Luke 23:34 guides believers to follow Jesus’ lead. We should forgive, even when it’s tough.

Acts 7:59-60

"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep."

Stephen, in his last moments, showed Christ’s forgiveness. He asked God to forgive those killing him with stones. This act of mercy mirrors Jesus’ teaching from the cross. It teaches us to forgive others, no matter what they do to us.

His prayer in Acts 7:59-60 reveals deep faith in God’s grace and readiness to forgive even his enemies. Stephen’s plea not only recalls Jesus’ sacrifice but also highlights the power of forgiveness through our Lord’s death and resurrection.

This instance stands as a strong message about forgiving without conditions, moved by divine love and sanctification through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Matthew 5:43-44

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Matthew 5:43-44 tells us to love our enemies, not just friends and family. It says to offer kindness instead of seeking revenge. This action breaks anger cycles by showing love where it’s least expected.

Loving your enemies matters because it shows the deep forgiveness we’ve received. By doing this, we share the unconditional love that comes from the death and resurrection of Jesus.

We realize how much we’re forgiven and spread that grace to others. There is no other way for someone who has been changed by such powerful love.

This kind of love is about being sanctified—set apart for a special purpose. When we forgive and stop sinning against those who wrong us, we become examples of how Jesus’ sacrifice changes lives.

Loving like this isn’t easy, but it’s what believers are called to do, following Jesus’ example.

Romans 12:17-21

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord."

Romans 12:17-21 tells us to forgive. It says, don’t return bad actions with more bad actions. Instead, be kind to those who hurt you. This teaches us not to seek revenge. Let God handle it instead.

Showing love and forgiveness towards our enemies purifies our hearts.

Choosing to let go of pain and giving it to God is what Christians should do. This shows we are serious about treating others well, even if they have sinned against us greatly. It changes how we deal with everyone around us, making our interactions filled with good intentions and actions.

What Does the Bible Say About Forgive and Forget?

Forgiveness is a key theme in the Bible. It teaches us to “forgive one another.” Love does not keep track of wrongs, which suggests forgetting is part of forgiving. In Isaiah 43:25-26, God talks about wiping away our sins and not remembering them anymore.

He sets an example for us to follow—forgiving completely.

Matthew 6:14-15 tells us that if we forgive others, God will forgive us too. This shows how important forgiveness is for our spiritual health and relationship with God. The Bible doesn’t say “forgive and forget” outright but encourages us to let go of grudges for our own good and sanctity.

Through these passages, the power of letting go of anger and finding peace comes through clearly, showing what Jesus taught about forgiveness by His actions and words.

Conclusion

The Bible shows us the power of moving on. It tells us in both Old and New Testaments that to forgive is like God—full of endless mercy. Holding onto anger hurts us more than others.

Letting go helps our hearts heal and find peace. Forgiveness can change lives, bringing us closer to Christian teachings about love and compassion.

FAQs

1. What does the Bible say about forgiving and forgetting?

The Bible, in both New Testaments and Old, teaches us to forgive others… just as we’ve been forgiven by God. It’s clear—forgiveness is key, even though it doesn’t specifically mention “forgetting.”

2. Are there specific verses that talk about forgiveness?

Yes! There are numerous verses dedicated to the importance of forgiveness—highlighting how we should forgive those who’ve wronged us, cleanse our hearts of all bitterness.

3. How can I learn to forgive according to the Bible?

The Bible suggests praying for strength—to sanctify your heart and release any grudges you hold against others; it’s a process, but with faith…it becomes possible.

4. Why is forgiving important in Christianity?

In Christianity, forgiving is vital—it’s about freeing your flesh from the chains of resentment and reflecting God’s grace towards us; essentially…it heals both giver and receiver.