Forgiveness is at the very heart of the Christian life. It is the call Jesus made to every believer and the pattern He lived out when He asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him. Yet, forgiving does not always mean forgetting in the way we often understand the word. God calls us to release others from the debt they owe us, but He does not command us to erase the memory of pain or act as if nothing happened. In fact, throughout Scripture, we are often reminded to remember what happened, not to dwell in bitterness but to grow in wisdom, be cautious in trust, and remain rooted in truth.
The idea of “forgive and forget” is not a direct biblical command. God Himself, though merciful, does not forget sin in the literal sense. He chooses not to hold it against us anymore. Likewise, we are invited to forgive others by surrendering the right to revenge or resentment, even if we still carry the memory of what took place. Remembering can help protect us from repeated harm, remind us of how far we’ve come, and strengthen our reliance on God’s justice and grace. These verses will show you how Scripture supports both the call to forgive and the wisdom of remembering.
Bible Verses That Encourage You To Forgive But Never Forget
1. Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
2. 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.
3. Matthew 6:14–15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
4. Luke 17:3–4
If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.
5. Proverbs 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
6. Romans 12:17–19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…
7. Matthew 18:21–22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister…?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
8. Isaiah 43:18–19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing…
9. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
10. Proverbs 22:3
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
11. 2 Corinthians 2:10–11
Anyone you forgive, I also forgive… in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
12. Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
13. Psalm 37:28
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.
14. Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…
15. Ecclesiastes 3:6
…a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.
16. Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
17. Matthew 5:23–24
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you… first go and be reconciled…
18. 2 Timothy 4:14–15
Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm… You too should be on your guard against him…
19. Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
20. Hebrews 10:17
Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.
21. Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
22. Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
23. James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given to you.
24. Micah 7:18–19
You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy… You will again have compassion on us…
25. Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
26. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
27. Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs…
28. John 8:11
Jesus said, “Then neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.”
29. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
30. Galatians 6:1
…if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves…
31. 1 Corinthians 13:5
Love… keeps no record of wrongs.
32. Jeremiah 31:34
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
33. Matthew 10:16
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
34. Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them…
35. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
But test them all; hold on to what is good…
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Forgiving But Not Forgetting
Forgiveness is not about pretending the offense never happened. It’s about releasing the offender from the debt they owe you, even when the scars of their actions remain. The Bible consistently teaches that forgiveness is a command, not a feeling. At the same time, Scripture also emphasizes wisdom, boundaries, and discernment. We are not called to stay in situations that perpetuate harm or to overlook patterns that lead to destruction.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean we erase the memory of the wrong—it means we no longer let that memory rule our hearts. We may still remember, but through God’s grace, we remember with wisdom, not bitterness. As we follow Christ’s example, we forgive freely and fully while learning from the past to walk forward with caution and compassion. God does not waste anything we’ve been through. Even our memories, if surrendered to Him, can serve a purpose in our healing and testimony.
Say This Prayer
Father, I thank You for the power to forgive, even when it’s hard. I release every person who has wronged me into Your hands. I choose forgiveness because You have forgiven me. Help me to walk in wisdom, to remember without hatred, and to learn from my past with a heart that honors You.
Heal every wound that still lingers in my heart. Guard me from bitterness and protect me from repeated pain. Let my memory be used to bring wisdom and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.