Bible Verses About Self-Forgiveness

Sometimes the hardest thing for us to do after we've done something wrong is to forgive ourselves. We tend to be our own harshest critics, beating ourselves up long after others have forgiven us. Yes, repentance is important when we're in the wrong, but the Bible also reminds us that it's important to learn from our mistakes and move on. The book has much to say on the subject of self-forgiveness.

God Is the First to Forgive Us

Our God is a forgiving God. He is the first to forgive our sins and trespasses, and He reminds us that we must learn to forgive one another, too. Learning to forgive others also means learning to forgive ourselves.

1 John 1:9
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

Matthew 6:14-15
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."

1 Peter 5:7
"God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him."

Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Psalms 103:10-11
"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him."

Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

If Others Can Forgive Us, We Can Forgive Ourselves

Forgiveness is not just a great gift to bestow on others; it’s also something that allows us to be free. We may think that self-forgiveness is only a favor for ourselves, but that forgiveness frees us to be better people through God.

Ephesians 4:32
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Luke 17:3-4
"Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him."

Matthew 6:12
"Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others."

Proverbs 19:11
"It’s wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others."

Luke 7:47
"I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love."

Isaiah 65:16
"All who invoke a blessing or take an oath will do so by the God of truth. For I will put aside my anger and forget the evil of earlier days."

Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."

Matthew 18:15
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back."