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.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, emphasizing that it should be unlimited. “70 times 7” symbolizes an unending attitude of grace. Jesus challenges the common perception of forgiveness by setting a higher standard, urging believers to forgive as God forgives.
2. 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.
Paul reminds believers that forgiveness is modeled after God’s forgiveness toward humanity. Just as Jesus forgives without limits, we are called to extend grace repeatedly, reflecting Christ’s nature.
3. Luke 17:3-4
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.
This passage shows that forgiveness isn’t contingent on the number of offenses but on the offender’s repentance. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is a lifestyle, not a one-time act.
4. Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
This verse underscores the Christ-like attitude believers must embody. By forgiving others, we imitate God’s love and show His grace to the world.
5. 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.
Jesus ties forgiveness to our relationship with God. Harboring unforgiveness hinders our prayers, whereas extending forgiveness aligns us with God’s will.
6. Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
This verse complements Jesus’ teaching by showing that overlooking offenses is a mark of wisdom. Forgiveness leads to peace and demonstrates maturity.
7. Psalm 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
The psalmist reminds us of God’s forgiving nature. As His children, we are to emulate His character by forgiving others generously.
8. James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
This verse emphasizes mutual accountability and the healing power of forgiveness. It reinforces the idea of forgiveness as a communal and spiritual practice.
9. Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Paul advises against vengeance, encouraging believers to pursue peace through forgiveness. This aligns with Jesus’ “70 times 7” teaching, urging reconciliation over retaliation.
10. Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?
Micah celebrates God’s unparalleled capacity for forgiveness. Believers are called to reflect this divine trait in their relationships.
11. Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Jesus directly links our forgiveness of others to God’s forgiveness of us, illustrating the importance of letting go of grievances.
12. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Forgiveness flows from deep love. This verse reminds us that love enables us to forgive repeatedly, even when wronged.
13. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Anyone you forgive, I also forgive… in order that Satan might not outwit us.
Paul highlights the spiritual significance of forgiveness, showing that it disrupts Satan’s schemes and promotes unity.
14. Genesis 50:20-21
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.
Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers reflects a Christ-like perspective. He chose to see God’s plan instead of holding on to bitterness.
15. Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
God’s forgiveness is absolute and serves as the ultimate model for believers to forgive completely.
16. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
This beatitude underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness. Showing mercy ensures we receive it in return.
17. Hebrews 8:12
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
God’s promise of forgiveness illustrates the depth of His love. As His followers, we are called to extend the same grace.
18. Jonah 4:2
I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.
Jonah acknowledges God’s forgiving nature, reminding believers of their responsibility to forgive, even when it’s difficult.
19. John 8:7
Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.
Jesus teaches humility and mercy, challenging us to examine ourselves before condemning others.
20. Acts 7:59-60
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Stephen’s last words echo Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross, demonstrating the ultimate example of grace under persecution.
21. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
This verse illustrates the completeness of God’s forgiveness, serving as a benchmark for believers.
22. Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
This passage emphasizes forgiveness as a restorative act, rooted in love and humility.
23. Luke 6:37
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Jesus presents forgiveness as a principle of sowing and reaping, reinforcing the value of grace.
24. Exodus 34:6-7
The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness.
God’s character as forgiving sets the standard for His followers to emulate.
25. Job 42:10
After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes.
Job’s forgiveness led to his restoration, showing the blessings tied to letting go of grudges.
26. Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge… but love your neighbor as yourself.
This verse ties forgiveness to the command to love, emphasizing reconciliation.
27. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.
God’s faithfulness in forgiving is a reminder for us to forgive others readily.
28. Proverbs 24:17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.
This verse cautions against harboring unforgiveness, promoting a spirit of mercy instead.
29. Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Jesus’ prayer on the cross epitomizes forgiveness, even in the face of great suffering.
30. Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God’s ultimate act of forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice sets the foundation for our call to forgive others.
Conclusion