This list gives you comforting Bible verses for the moment you want to forgive someone but cannot yet make your heart follow. It is for anyone carrying an old hurt, a fresh betrayal, or a resentment they are tired of holding. The verses below share one thread: forgiveness is rooted in God’s own forgiveness toward us, and He gives grace for the slow work of releasing what has been done to us.
Verses for the Heart That Still Hurts
Sometimes forgiveness feels impossible because the wound is still raw. These verses speak to the honest ache of someone who wants to forgive but feels the pain pulling them back. They remind you that God sees the injury and does not ask you to pretend it did not happen.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
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This verse tells you that the Lord draws close to the brokenhearted rather than waiting for you to be whole first. When forgiveness feels out of reach, take a few minutes in the car or at your desk to say aloud that you are hurting and ask God to be near while you do.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.
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The psalmist describes God as the healer of hearts and the one who binds up wounds. Think of one specific hurt you have been carrying, name it to God in writing, and ask Him to begin the healing you cannot manufacture on your own.
Isaiah 61:1
The Lord the LORD’s Spirit is on me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound…
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Isaiah speaks of God sending someone to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom. Pray this verse over the person who hurt you, asking that both your heart and theirs might know the freedom God offers, and keep that prayer short enough to repeat when the anger returns.
Verses About Being Forgiven First
Many people find it easier to forgive once they remember how fully they have been forgiven themselves. These passages anchor forgiveness in the gospel, so that releasing someone else becomes a response to grace rather than a demand you must meet alone.
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
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Paul ties our kindness and forgiveness directly to the forgiveness God has shown us in Christ. Before a conversation that stirs up old feelings, read this verse aloud and let the reminder of your own forgiveness soften the tone you bring into the room.
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
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This verse says to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave you. Consider writing the phrase “as the Lord forgave me” on a note in your wallet, so that when someone’s words sting, you have a quick reminder of the grace you have already received.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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John assures believers that God is faithful and just to forgive our sins when we confess them. Use this verse at the end of the day to review where you fell short in your own relationships, then rest in the forgiveness that is already yours.
Verses for Praying Over the Person Who Hurt You
Forgiveness often grows through prayer that is willing to ask God for good things for the very person who wronged you. These verses encourage you to bring that person before the Lord, trusting Him with justice, healing and their ultimate good.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you…
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Jesus calls His followers to pray for those who persecute them. You do not have to feel warm toward this person to obey, so start small by praying one simple sentence each day asking God to bless them, and let the prayer do its slow work.
Romans 12:19
Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
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Paul reminds believers that vengeance belongs to God. When the urge to settle the score rises, name that desire to God and ask Him to handle the justice you cannot provide, freeing you to put down the burden of getting even.
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
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From the cross, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. Read this verse slowly, then pray in your own words for the one who hurt you, asking God to see them with the same mercy He offers you.
Proverbs 17:9
He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
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Proverbs observes that whoever covers an offense seeks love, while repeating a matter separates close friends. Notice when you keep retelling the story of the hurt, and choose one moment today to stop rehearsing it.
Verses for Trusting God With the Outcome
Forgiveness does not always restore a relationship or erase consequences. These verses comfort you that God is at work even when things remain uncertain, and that your heart can rest in His faithfulness rather than in a perfect resolution.
Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
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Paul writes that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. This is not a promise that every hurt will feel good, but it is a promise that God is weaving your story into something He will use, which can loosen your grip on the need to see justice done on your timetable.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this…
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The psalmist urges us to commit our way to the Lord and trust Him. Write down the outcome you most fear and then place it beside this verse, praying that you would entrust that fear to God rather than carry it alone.
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 It is because of the LORD’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. 23 They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
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In the middle of grief, Jeremiah remembers that God’s mercies are new every morning. Begin tomorrow by reading these verses before you check your phone, and let the fresh mercy of the day set the tone for how you approach the person who hurt you.
How to Use These Verses
Write the verses that speak to you most on an index card or in the notes app on your phone, and keep them where you will see them during the hardest parts of your day. Many people find it helpful to read one verse each morning and return to it when a memory of the hurt surfaces, so that Scripture becomes the first response rather than the last.
Pray the verses back to God rather than only reading them silently. When you say a verse like Colossians 3:13 or Matthew 5:44 in your own voice, you are inviting God to form the forgiveness in you over time, even on days when your feelings lag behind your choices.
A Short Prayer for a Forgiving Heart
Lord, you know the hurt I am carrying and the names I keep returning to in my mind. You have forgiven me more than I could ever repay, so I ask you to help me release the debt I am holding against this person. Where my heart is still angry, meet me there and be gentle with the part of me that is not ready yet. Give me the courage to pray for their good, and help me trust you with justice and with the outcome of this relationship. Thank you for your mercy that is new every morning. Amen.
