What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

God's forgiveness is total

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us" (Psalm 103:12). Again and again Scripture presents God as the one who runs toward sinners — the shepherd seeking the lost sheep, the father embracing the prodigal son.

It must pass through us

The Our Father links the two directly: "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Jesus immediately adds: "if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:15).

The Catechism explains why: this outpouring of mercy "cannot penetrate our hearts as long as we have not forgiven those who have trespassed against us" (CCC 2840). It is not that God refuses; it is that a closed heart cannot receive.

How many times?

Peter asks if seven times is enough. Jesus answers, "not seven times but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22) — in other words, without counting. He follows with the parable of the unforgiving servant, forgiven a fortune but refusing to forgive a small debt.

Forgiveness is not the same as…

• Pretending nothing happened. Forgiveness names the wrong honestly.
• Feeling warmly. The Catechism notes it is not in our power to stop feeling an offence, but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit "turns injury into compassion" (CCC 2843).
• Removing justice or safety. One can forgive an abuser and still keep appropriate distance and seek justice.

The model

From the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]" (Luke 23:34). Christian forgiveness is a share in that prayer.