Selah · Answered from Scripture
What does the Bible say about forgiving someone who hurt you?
What Scripture says
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
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.
Colossians 3:13
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
Mark 11:25
But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:15
Verses quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).
A reflection
The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, highlighting that forgiving others reflects the forgiveness we receive from God (Matthew 6:14; Ephesians 4:32). It teaches that holding onto grudges can hinder our own forgiveness (Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:15), and encourages a heart of mercy and compassion (Colossians 3:13). Ultimately, forgiveness is not just a moral obligation but a pathway to healing and freedom, both for ourselves and others (Luke 6:37).
This reflection was written by AI from the verses above. The verses are quoted verbatim; the AI never writes Scripture.
Where traditions read it
- Catholic
- Forgiveness is seen as essential for receiving God's grace and mercy, emphasizing that failure to forgive may lead to exclusion from divine forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Orthodox
- Forgiveness is a continuous practice, where believers are reminded to keep forgiving others, reflecting God's mercy and leading towards reconciliation and healing.
- Protestant
- Forgiveness is integral to faith, showing true repentance and sincerity toward God; it is a sign of grace in the believer's life, with a call to genuinely forgive as we have been forgiven.
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