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
Bible Verses About Not Forgiving
The Consequences of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness can weigh heavily on our hearts. When we hold onto grudges, we can become imprisoned by bitterness and resentment. This can hinder our relationship with God and with others. It is essential that we recognize the consequences of not forgiving. The Bible warns us that if we refuse to forgive others, we risk not receiving forgiveness ourselves. Forgiveness is a mutual act; it brings healing and restoration, paving the way for a peaceful heart and soul.
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
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
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
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
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
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is an extraordinary act that can transform both the giver and the receiver. It takes great strength to forgive, but we can find comfort in knowing that it releases us from the chains of anger, guilt, and shame. When we forgive, we are empowered to move forward with our lives. God encourages us to forgive, as He has shown us immense mercy and love. By embracing forgiveness, we not only free ourselves but also empower others to heal.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive them. And what I have forgiven, I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
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 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
James 5:15-16
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. – James 5:15-16
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
Forgiveness and Love
At the core of our faith lies love, and love nurtures the spirit of forgiveness. When we love others as Christ loves us, forgiving becomes more manageable. Love helps us see beyond faults and failures, and it enables us to empathize with each other. God’s commandment to love one another compels us to practice forgiveness. Let us remember that love is an action that transcends our feelings, guiding us to forgive even when it is challenging.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:31
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10
John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. – John 13:34-35
1 John 4:20
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. – 1 John 4:20
Trusting God in Forgiveness
Forgiveness often requires us to trust God fully. We might struggle with the pain inflicted upon us and find it hard to let go. Yet, we must remember that God understands our struggles and stands ready to help us through. Trusting God in our journey of forgiveness allows us to surrender our hurt to Him. When we do this, we create space for healing, both for ourselves and those who have wronged us. We can be assured that God will support us through every step.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. – Psalm 37:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Forgiveness for Our Well-Being
Our overall health and well-being can be deeply affected by our ability to forgive. When we harbor resentment, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments. Forgiveness brings peace, which positively impacts our emotions and bodies. The Bible encourages us to release negative feelings so we can experience joy and love fully. By forgiving, we open our hearts to better relationships and a deeper connection with God, benefiting our overall well-being.
Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. – Proverbs 14:30
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8
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
3 John 1:2
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. – 3 John 1:2
God’s Example of Forgiveness
God sets the ultimate example of forgiveness through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ. His willingness to forgive our sins invites us to do the same for those who have wronged us. By reflecting on God’s grace and mercy towards us, we can develop a deeper understanding of what it means to forgive. We are called to imitate God in our lives, compassionately extending forgiveness to others as He has done for us.
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
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. – Luke 23:34
Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake and remembers your sins no more. – Isaiah 43:25
Hebrews 8:12
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. – Hebrews 8:12
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Final Thoughts
Forgiveness is a powerful act that we are called to embrace as Christians. As we read through these verses, we discover how impactful it can be to forgive ourselves and others. God’s word encourages us not to harbor unforgiveness, as it can hinder our relationships with Him and with each other. Embracing forgiveness brings us peace, healing, and even joy.
We are reminded that forgiveness is not always easy, but with God’s help, we can release our burdens and allow love to guide our actions. By following His example, we can foster healthier relationships, free from the weight of resentment. If you want to read more about the power of forgiveness, check out topics like forgiveness and second chances or forgiving and forgetting.
Let’s strive to forgive, reflecting the grace that God has offered us. With open hearts and His guidance, we can truly experience the freedom that forgiveness brings.