Bible Verses About Forgiveness (KJV) With a Prayer
Bible verses about forgiveness from the King James Version, on being forgiven by God and forgiving others, with a short reflection and a prayer.
A Prayer for Forgiveness
Forgiveness is rarely easy. Some hurts are fresh, some are old, and some people we need to forgive may never say sorry. These verses do not hurry us. They show us a God who forgives first, and who asks us, slowly and with His help, to do the same.
Three things stand out when you read them together.
God's forgiveness is complete. He removes our sins "as far as the east is from the west" and chooses not to remember them. We do not have to carry what He has already set down.
We receive it by asking. The way back is honest confession. Catholics find this especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where the words of absolution are spoken over us.
Forgiving others is part of praying. Jesus links the two more than once. Forgiving does not mean saying the wrong was small, and it does not always mean trusting again right away. It means letting go of the debt and placing the person in God's hands. If you cannot feel it yet, begin by asking God to make you willing.
Merciful Father, thank You that Your mercy is bigger than my failures. I bring You the things I regret and the things I would rather forget. Forgive me, cleanse me, and help me begin again.
Lord Jesus, You forgave from the cross. Give me a little of that heart. I name before You the people who have hurt me. I cannot forgive them in my own strength, so I ask You to do it in me. Soften what is hard, heal what is wounded, and free me from the weight of resentment.
Holy Spirit, show me anyone I need to ask forgiveness from, and give me courage to do it. Let peace settle where bitterness has lived. Amen.
Scripture to Pray With
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Psalm 86:5 (KJV)
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Isaiah 43:25 (KJV)
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18-19 (KJV)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV)
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25 (KJV)
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luke 6:37 (KJV)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Luke 23:34 (KJV)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:13 (KJV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The Bible teaches that God forgives those who turn to Him, and that we are to forgive others in return. Key passages include Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32 and 1 John 1:9.
What is the most important Bible verse about forgiveness?
Many people point to 1 John 1:9 for God's forgiveness ("If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins") and Ephesians 4:32 for forgiving others.
How many times should we forgive according to the Bible?
In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive "until seventy times seven," meaning without keeping count.
Does forgiving someone mean the wrong did not matter?
No. Forgiving means releasing the debt and giving the hurt to God. It does not erase the wrong, and it does not always mean the relationship is restored.
How do Catholics receive forgiveness of sins?
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession), where a priest gives absolution in the name of Christ, along with sincere sorrow and a desire to change.
Last updated 2026-10-24