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What does the Bible say about forgiving someone who hurt you deeply?
The Bible teaches that people should forgive those who hurt them, including enemies, because God has forgiven them in Christ. Forgiveness does not mean denying the harm, pretending it did not happen, restoring trust, or removing boundaries; it can begin as a deliberate surrender to God and sometimes grow slowly. Genuine forgiveness is possible through the Holy Spirit, even when feelings of pain, anger, or distrust remain.
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Transcript
The Bible teaches that people should forgive those who hurt them, including enemies, because God has forgiven them in Christ. Forgiveness does not mean denying the harm, pretending it did not happen, restoring trust, or removing boundaries; it can begin as a deliberate surrender to God and sometimes grow slowly. Genuine forgiveness is possible through the Holy Spirit, even when feelings of pain, anger, or distrust remain. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31, verse 6. Lord, I bring the hurt and anger I feel to you. Help me release my need to control what another person did, and give me grace to forgive as you have forgiven me. Keep me steady while trust grows slowly, and help me pursue wisdom and safety. Amen.
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.Matthew 5:44-45 (KJV)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.2 Corinthians 7:9 (KJV)
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Colossians 3:13 (KJV)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
A word for today
These verses can shape a real response to deep hurt. They remind us that forgiveness is an act of faith, not a claim that the injury was harmless. In practical terms, that may mean setting down revenge, speaking a measured truth, and allowing God to carry what you cannot control. Trust and closeness may need to be rebuilt—or remain limited for safety’s sake. Prayer and accountability can help when old wounds keep the heart guarded.
A short prayer
Lord, I bring the hurt and anger I feel to you. Help me release my need to control what another person did, and give me grace to forgive as you have forgiven me. Keep me steady while trust grows slowly, and help me pursue wisdom and safety. Amen.
Questions
Does the Bible require me to trust the person who hurt me?
No. The Bible calls believers to forgive, but forgiveness does not require restoring trust or granting unrestricted access. Trust may need to be earned slowly, and safety boundaries are wise; see Matthew 6:14-15.
What if I still feel angry after forgiving someone?
Forgiveness can begin before every feeling has changed, and deep wounds may take time to heal. You can acknowledge your pain, refuse revenge, and ask God to transform your heart through the Spirit; see Colossians 3:13.
What is a good verse to memorize?
Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
This page was drafted with AI assistance. Every Scripture passage is quoted in full from the King James Version and checked automatically against the text.
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