What the Bible Says About Forgiveness – And How to Practice It

Forgiveness. It’s a word we hear often, but one that can stir up a lot of emotions—especially when we’re the ones who’ve been hurt. Whether it’s a betrayal by a friend, harsh words from a loved one, or a deep wound from the past, forgiveness can feel like an impossible ask. And yet, it’s one of the most central teachings in the Bible, woven throughout Scripture from beginning to end.

At its core, forgiveness is not about forgetting or pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s about choosing to release the burden of anger and resentment, and making room for healing, peace, and freedom. It’s also about aligning our hearts with God’s heart—because if there’s one thing the Bible makes clear, it’s that our God is a God of mercy and grace.

The journey of forgiveness isn’t always easy. It can challenge us, humble us, and stretch our faith. But it’s also one of the most life-giving paths we can walk. When we learn to forgive, we’re not just obeying God—we’re opening ourselves up to His healing power and deepening our relationship with Him.

So what does the Bible actually say about forgiveness? And how do we move from knowing we should forgive to actually doing it in real, practical ways? Let’s dive into Scripture to find the answers—and discover how to live out forgiveness in our everyday lives.

Forgiveness Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

Forgiveness isn’t just a nice Christian virtue—it’s at the heart of the gospel. Yet, for many of us, forgiveness is one of the hardest things to walk out in real life.

We’ve all been hurt. Betrayed. Let down. Some wounds run deep. But Scripture makes it clear: **forgiveness is not a suggestion—it’s a command**.

So how do we forgive when it feels impossible? What does it mean to truly let go? And how can we live a lifestyle of forgiveness that reflects the heart of Christ?

This blog post explores what the Bible really says about forgiveness and how to practice it in everyday life.

God Forgave Us First

“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 (NIV)

Forgiveness starts with God. We don’t forgive others because they always deserve it—we forgive because **we were first forgiven**.

God didn’t wait for us to get it all right. He extended mercy through Jesus, offering full and free forgiveness for every sin, mistake, and failure.

When you truly grasp how much you’ve been forgiven, your heart becomes more tender toward forgiving others. Grace received becomes grace extended.

Forgiveness Is an Act of Obedience

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
— Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

Forgiveness isn’t based on feelings. It’s a decision—a step of obedience in response to God’s command.

Jesus didn’t say, “Forgive when you feel like it.” He said forgive, period.

Choosing to forgive doesn’t mean you’re excusing the offense or forgetting the pain. It means you’re releasing the right to hold it over someone—and entrusting justice to God.

You don’t have to wait until it feels good. **Forgiveness leads your heart; feelings follow.**

Unforgiveness Chains You to the Past

“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 (NIV)

Holding onto unforgiveness might feel justified—but in the end, it only poisons your soul. Bitterness is a slow-burning fire that damages you far more than the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean the hurt never mattered. It means **you’re choosing freedom over bitterness**. It means you refuse to let the enemy use pain to keep you stuck.

Releasing someone else is often the very thing that releases you.

Jesus Modeled Forgiveness on the Cross

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
— Luke 23:34 (NIV)

As Jesus hung on the cross, wrongly accused, tortured, and mocked, He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t curse. He **forgave**.

That moment—when He asked God to forgive His executioners—was not weakness. It was holy strength.

Jesus showed us that even in our darkest moments, **forgiveness is possible**. And when we forgive, we reflect the power of the cross in our own lives.

Practical Steps to Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness is spiritual—but it’s also practical. Here are a few ways to begin the process:

• Be honest with God. Tell Him how much it hurt. He can handle your pain.
• Pray for the person who hurt you (Matthew 5:44). It’s hard to hate someone you’re praying for.
• Speak forgiveness out loud. “In Jesus’ name, I choose to forgive ___.”
• Ask the Holy Spirit for help. You don’t have to do it alone—He empowers your heart to forgive.
• Set boundaries if needed. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean full restoration of trust. It means release.

Remember, forgiveness is often a process. Some wounds take time to heal—but every step you take is one step closer to freedom.

What If I Need to Forgive Myself?

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is yourself.

Maybe you’ve messed up. Maybe regret keeps you awake at night. But if God—who is holy and perfect—has forgiven you, who are you to hold onto what He’s already erased?

**Receive His forgiveness. Let go of shame.** You don’t have to live under the weight of your past when Jesus already paid for it.

Forgiveness Is a Gift—To You

Forgiveness doesn’t make you weak—it makes you whole. It releases you from the grip of resentment, opens the door to peace, and draws you closer to the heart of God.

You don’t have to wait for an apology. You don’t have to understand everything. You just need to trust the One who forgave you first.

Let go. Let God. And live free.

A Prayer for Forgiveness

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me, over and over again. Help me to forgive those who’ve hurt me. I release them to You, and I ask You to heal my heart. Where there’s bitterness, plant grace. Where there’s pain, bring peace. Teach me to walk in freedom, not in offense. Thank You that in Christ, I am fully forgiven—and now I can extend that forgiveness to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.