What scripture says
Bible verses about forgiveness
Scripture speaks of forgiveness in two directions: the forgiveness God freely gives when we confess, and the forgiveness he asks us to extend to others, as we have been forgiven. These verses cover both, and how they belong together.
If we confess our sins
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Read it in its chapter →Forgive, and be forgiven
Matthew 6:14-15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Read it in its chapter →Forgiving one another
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Read it in its chapter →As Christ forgave you
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Read it in its chapter →As far as the east is from the west
Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Read it in its chapter →Seventy times seven
Matthew 18:21-22
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Read it in its chapter →
King James Version · public domain
Hymns to sing
- All Praise To Thee, My God, This NightThomas Ken (1637–1711)
- And Can It BeCharles Wesley (1707–1788)
- Baptized Into Thy Name Most HolyJohann Jakob Rambach (1693–1735)
- Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong BandsMartin Luther (1483–1546)
- Come, Ye DisconsolateThomas Moore (1779–1852), Thomas Hastings (1784–1872)
- Day of Wrath, O Day of MourningThomas of Celano (13th Century)