Where in the Bible Does It Say Forgive One Another?

Beloved, one of the hardest things for Christians to do is not praying, fasting, or giving — it is forgiving someone who offended us. We can lift up holy hands in worship, speak in tongues for hours, sow seeds, and preach with power… yet struggle to forgive a brother or sister who hurt us deeply.

This is why the Bible repeatedly commands believers to forgive one another. God knew that without forgiveness, the body of Christ would collapse under quarrels, grudges, silent hatred, and unresolved offenses.So when we ask the question:

Read more about how forgiveness and restoration align.

Where in the Bible does it say forgive one another?

There are several scriptural passages that says we must forgive one another, and here are the ones we have already examined through revelation:

• Colossians 3:13 — “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another…”
• Ephesians 4:32 — “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…”
• Matthew 6:14–15 — “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…”
• Matthew 5:23–24 — Forgiveness required before offering your gift.
• Luke 17:3–4 — Forgive your brother even seven times a day.
• The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35) — The picture of what happens when we refuse to forgive.

These passages form the biblical foundation for forgiveness among believers.

Colossians 3:13 — Forgiving One Another Through Forbearance

This scripture teaches that forgiveness among believers begins with forbearance. To forbear means to endure the weaknesses of others, absorb their imperfections, and refuse to let their flaws turn into bitterness in your heart.

According to revelation:

• We must remove the grudge before forgiveness can flow.
• Forgiveness feels hard because the grudge is still on the throne of the heart.
• Once bitterness is released, forgiveness becomes possible.

Christ forgave us while we were still wrong — and we must forgive one another the same way.

Ephesians 4:32 — Forgiving With Tenderheartedness

This passage reveals the emotional weight behind forgiveness: it commands us to be kind and tenderhearted toward those who offended us.

But the truth is — this is extremely hard for any human to do.

Why? Because grudges harden the heart.

So to obey this scripture:

• You must first remove the bitterness.
• Then God softens your heart.
• Only then can kindness and tenderheartedness flow toward the person who hurt you.

This scripture shows that forgiveness is not a feeling — it is obedience to God’s nature within us.

Matthew 6:14–15 — Forgiving Others So God Can Forgive You

Here Jesus gives the law of forgiveness:

If you do not forgive others, the Father will not forgive you.

This means:

• You cannot pray for your enemies to die right after asking God for mercy.
• You cannot hold someone hostage in your heart and expect heaven to open for you.
• Your forgiveness is tied to God’s forgiveness.

Unforgiveness shuts the heavens over any believer.

Matthew 5:23–24 — Forgiveness Before Worship

Jesus teaches that before presenting your gift, offering, tithe, or sacrifice — you must first make peace with anyone who has something against you.

This scripture reveals:

• God does not accept worship from an unforgiving heart.
• Forgiveness comes before prayer, before giving, before ministry.
• Forgiveness is the doorway through which all other sacrifices pass.

If you want God to accept your offering, you must first forgive.

Luke 17:3–4 — Forgiving Quickly and Repeatedly

Jesus says: If your brother sins against you seven times in a day and repents — forgive him every time.

This scripture teaches:

• Forgiveness among believers must be fast.
• Bitterness grows the longer you hold it.
• Delayed forgiveness opens the door for satan to enter the relationship.

A healthy fellowship requires quick, repeated forgiveness.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — The Danger of Refusing to Forgive

This parable reveals the spiritual consequences of unforgiveness:

• God forgave us a debt we could never pay.
• But if we refuse to forgive those who owe us far less, we lose the mercy that was given to us.
• This is not a story — it is a spiritual law.

If mercy goes out from you, mercy comes back to you. If mercy is withheld by you, mercy is withheld from you.

Final Revelation

So, where in the Bible does it say “forgive one another”?

In Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14–15, Matthew 5:23–24, Luke 17:3–4, and the parable in Matthew 18 — the message is the same:

Forgive one another. Reconcile. Walk in mercy.
Because this is the nature of Christ living in you.

Forgiveness keeps heaven open.
Forgiveness keeps your heart clean.
Forgiveness keeps the body of Christ united.
Forgiveness keeps the enemy out.

Forgiveness is not an option — it is a Kingdom requirement.