What does Christianity teach about forgiveness?
If there’s one thing that’s changed my life through Christ, it’s learning what real forgiveness looks like—not the kind the world gives, but the kind God calls us to live out. When we talk about Christian teachings on forgiveness, we’re talking about something deeper than just “letting things go.” We’re talking about a command from God rooted in love, mercy, and truth.
Jesus didn’t just suggest we forgive—He commanded it. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV), Jesus says:
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
That verse alone stops me in my tracks. Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s connected to our salvation. And that’s not just something we “feel” our way into. It’s an intentional act of obedience that reflects the grace we’ve already received.
If you’ve ever wrestled with unforgiveness or wondered where to even start, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. This is why we created this Christian blog—to walk through these truths with you.
For more on what salvation really means, check out What It Truly Means to Be Born Again.
Why is forgiveness important in the Christian faith?
Forgiveness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s central to the Christian life. Without it, we couldn’t even begin to understand the Gospel. The entire story of Jesus centers around God’s forgiveness toward us.
Here’s why it’s so important:
1. It reflects God’s character.
God is a forgiving God. In Psalm 86:5 (NKJV), it says:
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”
If God is ready to forgive us—knowing everything we’ve done—how can we hold on to bitterness?
2. It brings spiritual freedom.
Unforgiveness doesn’t hurt the other person as much as it hurts us. It weighs down your heart and hinders your relationship with the Lord. Jesus came so we could live in freedom, not chained to past pain.
3. It’s a testimony to the world.
When Christians forgive radically—just like Jesus did—it speaks louder than any sermon. It’s a way to show people who Christ really is.
Need some encouragement? This article on How to Put God First in Your Life is a powerful place to start when trying to heal and move forward.
Forgiveness is hard. Trust me, I know. But the more we grow in our understanding of Christian teachings on forgiveness, the more we begin to experience a kind of peace the world simply can’t offer.
What did Jesus say about forgiving others?
If we’re going to talk about Christian teachings on forgiveness, we have to start with Jesus Himself. He didn’t just talk about forgiveness—He lived it.
When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, Jesus replied in Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV):
“I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
That wasn’t a math lesson—it was a heart lesson. Jesus was telling Peter, and us, that forgiveness should have no limit. We’re called to forgive as often as it’s needed, just like God forgives us again and again.
And think about this: while hanging on the cross, Jesus prayed for the very people who nailed Him there, saying:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34 NKJV)
That kind of mercy? That’s not normal. That’s divine. And it’s the exact model He wants us to follow. If you’re struggling to forgive someone who deeply hurt you, Jesus gets it. He doesn’t ask us to do anything He hasn’t already done first.
Also, if you haven’t read it yet, take a moment to visit The Most Memorable Teachings of Jesus—it’ll give you a richer perspective on His heart behind forgiveness.
What are the parables Jesus used to teach forgiveness?
Jesus was a master storyteller, and He often used parables to help people understand complex truths. Forgiveness was no exception.
Here are two of the most powerful parables about forgiveness:
1. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35)
In this story, Jesus tells of a servant who was forgiven a massive debt by his king—but then turned around and refused to forgive a small debt from someone else. The king finds out and throws the man in prison, furious at his lack of mercy.
The takeaway? If we’ve been forgiven by God (and we all have), we have no excuse not to forgive others. Holding onto bitterness makes us forget just how much grace we’ve received.
2. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32)
This is one of my favorite stories. A son insults his father, squanders everything, and comes crawling back home expecting judgment. But instead of anger, the father runs to him with open arms and throws a party.
That’s God’s forgiveness on full display. It’s a love that doesn’t shame—it restores. If you’re feeling far from God right now, that story is for you.
You can read more about restoration and God’s mercy in What Must I Do to Be Saved?. It’s not too late to come home.
What does the Bible say about forgiving yourself?
This is something a lot of us wrestle with. I know I have. You mess up, ask God for forgiveness, and yet you still walk around with that heavy guilt. Why?
Because forgiving others is one thing, but forgiving yourself? That feels impossible sometimes. But here’s the truth based on Christian teachings on forgiveness:
If God has forgiven you—you can forgive yourself too.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV) promises:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
That’s not a maybe. That’s a promise. If God no longer holds it against you, who are you to keep carrying it?
Here’s something that helped me: I realized that refusing to forgive myself was like saying Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough. That hits hard. Either the cross is sufficient, or it isn’t.
You might also like this encouraging piece on Finding Rest in Jesus. Sometimes, rest starts with releasing ourselves from the guilt God already forgave.
What are some Bible verses about forgiving others?
Scripture is full of wisdom and guidance when it comes to forgiveness. If you’re needing direction, here are some of my go-to verses that really drive the message home:
1. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
2. Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
“…forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
3. Mark 11:25 (NKJV)
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
4. Luke 6:37 (NKJV)
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
These verses aren’t just for show. They’re a call to action—a way of life.
Need more Scripture for tough times? You’ll love this article: Bible Verses for Bad Days. It’s full of hope when you’re feeling weighed down.
How can Christians practice forgiveness in real life?
Let’s be real: it’s one thing to read about forgiveness and nod along, but it’s another thing to actually live it out. I’ve struggled with this myself. Someone lies to you, betrays you, or wounds you deeply—and suddenly, “just forgive them” feels like a slap in the face.
But Jesus doesn’t ask us to pretend it didn’t hurt. He asks us to forgive anyway. Here’s how I’ve learned to walk it out:
1. Pray honestly.
Tell God exactly how you feel. He’s not scared of your emotions. Ask Him to soften your heart and help you see the person the way He does.
2. Remember what you’ve been forgiven of.
When I think about how much grace God has shown me, it puts things in perspective. I didn’t deserve His mercy—but He gave it freely.
3. Set boundaries when needed.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean putting yourself back in harm’s way. Sometimes you forgive from a distance, especially in toxic or abusive situations. That’s wisdom, not weakness.
4. Speak blessings over them.
This one is hard, but powerful. Jesus said in Luke 6:28 (NKJV), “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” It may start through gritted teeth, but over time, it shifts your heart.
Need help applying these steps? The Quiet Command: Be Still and Know That I Am God is a great read when you need to pause and let God do the heart work.
Why forgiving others helps you too
This might surprise you, but forgiveness isn’t just for the other person—it’s for you. When we hold onto anger or pain, it traps us. It steals peace, joy, and even affects our physical health. But forgiveness? It sets us free.
Here’s what I’ve experienced personally when I chose to forgive:
- I slept better.
- My prayers felt lighter and more real.
- I stopped rehearsing the offense in my head.
- God used my pain to help someone else later.
Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Let it go—not because they deserve it, but because God wants better for you.
You might also enjoy reading Acknowledging Our Imperfections: Embracing Redemption and God’s Glory—because at the end of the day, we all need grace.
Final reminder: If you’re struggling with forgiveness today, just know you’re not alone. And you’re not expected to do it in your own strength. Jesus is your strength. The deeper you lean into Him, the easier it becomes to live out these Christian teachings on forgiveness—not perfectly, but faithfully.
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