What Does the Bible Say About Withhold Forgiveness?

Colossians 3:13 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Mark 11:25 ESV / 13 helpful votes

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Matthew 18:21-22 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 6:14-15 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Luke 6:37 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

1 John 1:9 ESV / 7 helpful votes

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Philippians 1:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:14 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

Matthew 6:12 ESV / 6 helpful votes

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 6:14-16 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

Matthew 5:44 ESV / 5 helpful votes

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

John 20:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

John 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 17:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Luke 17:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,

Matthew 18:15-35 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ...

1 John 2:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.

1 John 2:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Colossians 3:12-14 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:1-25 ESV / 3 helpful votes

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ...

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.

Romans 4:7-8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

Luke 23:34 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Luke 17:3-4 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Luke 6:36-37 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Matthew 18:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 6:1-34 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ...

1 Peter 4:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

James 5:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Hebrews 10:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

2 Timothy 4:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

Colossians 2:13-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Colossians 1:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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.

Ephesians 1:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 2:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Romans 12:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Romans 12:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 8:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Acts 10:43 ESV / 2 helpful votes

To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Acts 7:59-60 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 3:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

John 20:22-23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

John 14:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 23:33-34 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Luke 13:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Luke 6:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Luke 6:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Mark 16:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 1:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Matthew 26:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 18:32-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 18:23-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. ...

Matthew 18:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Matthew 18:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Matthew 18:1-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, ...

Matthew 6:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 5:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Isaiah 43:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

Isaiah 33:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And no inhabitant will say, “I am sick”; the people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity.

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Psalm 32:1-2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Maskil of David. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Genesis 50:20-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

69 Bible Verses about Withhold Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 11:25 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:21-22 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:14-15 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:37 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 1:9 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 1:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:14 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:12 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:14-16 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:44 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 20:23 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 17:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 17:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:15-35 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 2:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 2:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:12-14 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:1-25 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 4:7-8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 23:34 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 17:3-4 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:36-37 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:1-34 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 4:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 5:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 10:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 4:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 2:13-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 1:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 1:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 2:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 3:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 10:43 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 7:59-60 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 3:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 20:22-23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 23:33-34 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 13:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 16:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 1:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 26:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:32-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:23-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:1-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 43:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 33:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 32:1-2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 50:20-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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