“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
Bible Verses About Being Forgiven
The Promise of Forgiveness
We, as followers of Christ, hold dear the promise of forgiveness. It brings immense relief knowing that when we stumble and fall short, God’s arms are wide open, ready to embrace us. The assurance of forgiveness is a cornerstone of our faith—allowing us to release our burdens and find peace. It is often said that nothing is too big for God’s mercy, and through these verses, we learn about His unwavering commitment to forgive us. This promise empowers us to seek redemption and live in harmony with Him.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Micah 7:19
“He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” – Micah 7:19
Colossians 1:13-14
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
The Call to Forgive Others
As we cherish our own forgiveness, we also recognize the importance of extending that grace to others. We all make mistakes, and just as we want to be forgiven, we need to forgive. Jesus teaches us how vital this aspect of our faith is, for it reflects the heart of God. Forgiveness isn’t only for our healing but also for cultivating love and unity among us. By embracing the act of forgiving others, we align ourselves with God’s will, paving the way for reconciliation and peace.
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
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.’” – Matthew 18:21-22
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
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
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
The Condition of True Forgiveness
To receive forgiveness is a blessed gift, but true forgiveness comes with heartfelt repentance. We must recognize our wrongs and genuinely seek God’s mercy. Being humble and acknowledging our faults opens the door to experiencing deep forgiveness. When we repent with sincerity, we are not just asking for God’s grace, but we are also committing to change. It is this beautiful exchange that nurtures our relationship with God, reinforcing our transformation and growth in faith.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins. The times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
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
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 will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
1 John 2:1-2
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” – 1 John 2:1-2
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not just an act; it is a healing balm for our souls. When we reconcile with ourselves and others, we create an opportunity for growth and renewal. God’s desire is for us to experience wholeness, and through forgiveness, we find a pathway to emotional and spiritual freedom. Letting go of grudges and pain can be hard, but when we do, we reveal a glimpse of God’s love and mercy to ourselves and those around us. This healing is transformative, shedding light on our lives and relationships.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
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.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” – Matthew 18:35
The Personal Nature of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is deeply personal between us and God. Each of us has unique struggles, and God’s approach to forgiveness is tailored to our hearts. When we come to Him in our brokenness, we find a compassionate Savior who understands our challenges. Having a personal relationship with Christ means that our confessions and requests for forgiveness resonate deeply. We experience His love for us through our own stories of redemption and forgiveness which bring us closer to Him.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The Continuous Act of Forgiveness
Forgiveness doesn’t stop at just one moment; it is a continual process. We may find ourselves needing to forgive the same people or situations repeatedly. However, every act of forgiveness is an opportunity to practice grace. As we walk in faith, let us remember that forgiving others as God forgives us is a lifelong journey. Through this continual process, we strengthen our faith and refine our hearts, becoming more like Christ each day.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Romans 12:19-21
“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. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:19-21
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Hebrews 12:15
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
Final Thoughts
As we explore the depths of being forgiven, we realize how profound and transformative this concept is in our lives. The journey of forgiveness is not merely about forgetting past grievances but recognizing the grace and mercy that God constantly extends to us. It’s about the promise of healing, the call to forgive others, and the personal relationship we cultivate through repentance. We learn that forgiveness is an ongoing process, allowing each of us to grow. Let us embrace this invaluable gift and share it with those around us as we deepen our connection with God.
Embracing forgiveness leads us to a life full of joy, healing, and renewed relationships. We invite you to continue exploring faith topics such as The Parable of the Lost Son and The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. May we all reflect God’s love through our acts of forgiveness.