Bible Verses About Forgiveness: Finding Freedom from Vengeance

Looking for Bible verses about forgiveness? Here are several Scriptures about forgiving others and being forgiven.

If you’re going by what makes the headlines, the world doesn’t seem like a fair place. Those who hurt others, take advantage of them, and who work the system seem to get away with it. This happens in society at large, but it also happens in our relationships. Colleagues take advantage of generosity, and loved ones, neighbors, and strangers can seem to have no compunction about abusing one’s kindness. Forgiveness gives way to revenge.

The above is a jaundiced view of society, but it can sometimes feel like you’re playing by the rules while others aren’t. But even in those situations where you feel like you’re a righteous sufferer, God’s call to His people is for them to be marked by forgiveness for even those they consider enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28).

Forgiveness releases you from the desire for vengeance, and it frees you of bitterness toward others. Not only that, but forgiveness is one of many ways we can begin imitating God, who has forgiven us much. For the disciple of Jesus, forgiveness is a way of life.

Bible verses about forgiveness.

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. – Psalm 32:1-2, NIV

The Psalms are a prayer and songbook, and here David was rejoicing in the blessings of being forgiven. When God forgives us, He lifts the burden of our failures off our shoulders and takes it upon His own. The role we play is to allow Him to relieve us of the burden, and to trust that He does not hold anything against us. When we do that, we can experience joy and freedom, knowing that we are right with the Lord.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. – Psalm 130:3-4, NIV

If we’re honest with ourselves, we’re not perfect people. On any given day, we fall short countless times, and this Psalm reminds us of that reality. However, this verse reminds us of the abundant, undeserved grace of God who forgives us our many sins. Instead of trying to stand up under the weight of our wrongdoing, God forgives us, freeing us to serve Him with joy and reverence.

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, NIV

Left to our devices, we would rather put a cap on how often or the sorts of people we want to forgive. Peter wanted to place an upper limit on how many times he could forgive those that had wronged him. Jesus’ answer amounted to saying you mustn’t put a limit on the number of times you should forgive the person who wrongs you.

Remember, forgiveness is about you choosing not to hold someone’s actions against them. You don’t want to ‘stick it to them’ or see that they get as good as they dished out. You are relinquishing thoughts of vengeance and of getting even.

This frees you from the burden of anger and bitterness, without letting them off the hook for their actions. They can and should be held accountable, but forgiveness is about your posture toward them, and whether your heart is wrapped up in retribution and anger.

“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, NIV

Immediately after Jesus said this to His disciples, they said to Him “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5, NIV) They recognized, as do we, that Jesus is making a huge ask. However, if we are to be children of God, then we are to imitate God and trust that His way of life is right and true.
We wouldn’t want God’s forgiveness toward us to be limited, and thank goodness it isn’t! We simply cannot do this on our own, which is why the disciples asked for more faith.

Forgiveness can be a struggle, but thankfully, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we too can grow in our ability to forgive others as we have been forgiven (Galatians 5:13-26).

Growth through counseling

If you’re looking for additional support beyond these Bible verses about forgiveness, consider contacting us at Grapevine Christian Counseling in Texas. Forgiving others isn’t automatic, and it can be a hard and long process. You don’t have to walk that journey alone. Your counselor in Grapevine, Texas can help you unpack your experiences, any feelings of resentment you may have, as well as what makes forgiving others difficult for you.

Whether through individual or group counseling in Grapevine, Texas, you can gain a deeper understanding not only of your pain but of the resources you have on hand to heal and to move beyond anger and the desire for vengeance. Seek that help today from Grapevine Christian Counseling to begin releasing the burden of unforgiveness.

Contact our office at Grapevine Christian Counseling in Texas to get started.