LET’S FACE IT: Forgiveness isn’t easy. But it is not optional for the Christian! Forgiveness is a choice we make—not a feeling. We’re never going to feel like forgiving. But when we choose to forgive rather than hold a grudge or retaliate, we will find healing, restoration, and freedom that only God can give.

If there is unforgiveness in your heart, don’t let those situations continue to hurt you. Jesus has given us the key—forgiveness. And if you will open the door of your heart and take out all of the junk you’ve been holding on to, He will restore you.

If you need help forgiving someone, look to the Bible verses below and start practicing forgiveness. Pray for the person who hurt you. Open your heart and choose to forgive today.

Proverbs 10:12

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Proverbs 17:9

9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Matthew 5:7

7 “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Matthew 5:23–24

23 “If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,

24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person.
Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”

Matthew 5:44

44 “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Matthew 6:14–15

14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 18:21–22

21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Mark 11:25

25 “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Luke 6:37
37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

Romans 12:19

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:21

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Ephesians 4:32

32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13

13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

1 Peter 3:9

9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A Prayer for Forgiveness and Forgiving Others

Father, please forgive me for not forgiving others and not walking in love. I choose to forgive those who have hurt me. I choose not to hold on to resentment. I let go of my right to seek revenge, and I ask You to heal my damaged emotions. Lord, help me forget the past so that I can move forward. Thank You for setting me free from the bondage of bitterness.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.