Bible Verses for Trying to Forgive Someone
Forgiveness is not the same as pretending it didn't happen, and it is not the same as trust. Scripture commands forgiveness because God knows what unhealed wounds do to the person carrying them. The verses below are for the long, slow work of letting go — not the lie that you're over it already.
Pray this
Name the person out loud. Then pray: 'God, I can't forgive them tonight on my own. Carry me toward it.'
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."
"Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
"Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,' says the Lord."
"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.'"
Frequently asked questions
- No. Forgiveness is releasing the debt; trust is rebuilt with evidence over time. Scripture commands the first and is wise about the second (Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:18). You can forgive someone and still set firm boundaries.