60 Forgiveness Quotes

Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when we have been deeply hurt. Yet holding on to anger and resentment can weigh heavily on our hearts. These forgiveness quotes offer encouraging thoughts about letting go of past hurts, finding peace, and choosing to move forward.

Some of these words focus on forgiving others, while others remind us of the importance of forgiving ourselves. You will also find Christian reflections on God’s grace, mercy, and the forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.

May these quotes encourage you to release what you cannot change, make room for healing, and remember that forgiveness can bring freedom not only to others, but also to your own heart.

Updated September 17, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Forgiveness Quotes About Letting Go

Forgiveness can help us release anger, resentment, and the weight of past hurts. These quotes remind us that letting go can open the way to greater peace.

There's forgiveness for him who, through lacking the spark of genius, is "downed" in the thick of the strife.
Strickland Gillilan, Unpardonable

When you are happy you can forgive a great deal.
Princess Diana

You who want peace can find it only by complete forgiveness.
Helen Schucman

In order to live, we need to forgive. And let what's true be heard by all.
Julie Hebert, Live Life

When you have a chance to forgive, think of all you'll gain and forget all you've lost.
Saim. A. Cheeda

Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them
Bruce Lee

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Mahatma Gandhi

The golden sun is sinking fast 'twill soon be night! Forgive, and let your wrath be cast far out of sight!
Unknown, Before The Sun Goes Down

Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again.
Saint Augustine

Man has two great spiritual needs. One is for forgiveness. The other is for goodness.
Billy Graham

A winner rebukes and forgives; a loser is too timid to rebuke and too petty to forgive.
Sydney J. Harris

What is the point of not forgiving it is like missing out on living. To forgive will help you more it is, for sure, a great cure.
Catherine Pulsifer, Letting Go Is A Sure Cure

Wisdom reflects and ask forgiveness, kind words never die.
J.J. Thorne, Kind Words Never Died

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark Twain

Life is too short for being mad, get over it and find some glad. Life is too short to not forgive, keep your thoughts positive.
Catherine Pulsifer, So True

Grass is the forgiveness of nature - her constant benediction.
Brian Ingalls

Forgiveness Quotes About Forgiving Yourself

Sometimes the person we find hardest to forgive is ourselves. These words encourage self-forgiveness, healing, and the freedom to move forward.

It isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
Unknown, Wisdom About Life

Fair as a rainbow in summer after a chilling blast, is the sweet smile of forgiveness when anger's clouds are past.
Mary C. Ryan

This world were sweet, believe me, free from bitterness and woe if those blessed words "Forgive me" didn't choke a fellow so.
Strickland Gillilan

Through forgiveness’ embrace, release shall arise, as burdens dissipate before forgiving skies.
Catherine Pulsifer, A Weight

Let past wounds be washed away...excitedly, we hold hands tight, united in forgiveness, our souls take flight.
Catherine Pulsifer, Forgiveness, Our Guiding Light

One of my greatest lessons of growth was to stop dwelling in the past and forgive myself and others from all the pain and hurt that was caused. When I finally let go and released, I was free with glee.
Jason Micheal Ratliff

Forgiveness is giving up hope for a better past.
Author Unknown

Forgiveness for one's self is the only way we can keep going through life and give ourselves the best chance at being the best people we can be.
Yolanda Hadid

TODAY—Keep a promise.Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy.
Unknown, Today

We need to let go of the things that upset us and practice forgiveness realizing that in the end love is the most important aspect of life!
Catherine Pulsifer

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment
William Arthur Ward, Forgiveness Is

Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.
Gerald Jampolsky

Don't hold grudges, do forgive - live your life finding the positive find the good, forget the bad then you find happiness, not the sad.
Catherine Pulsifer, One Lesson

For This One Hour I can be forgiving. I can leave the lowlands of resentment, grudges and bitterness, and rise to the highlands of understanding, love and forgiveness.
William Arthur Ward

All our lives are interwoven. on each other we rely. Brain and brawn must work together, letting ancient grudges die.
Patience Strong, Unity

Forgiveness Quotes About Love And Relationships

Forgiveness can strengthen relationships when hurt, mistakes, or misunderstandings come between people. These quotes reflect on choosing understanding, love, and reconciliation.

Choose love over fury, let understanding be your guide, and in your heart, let forgiveness reside.
Catherine Pulsifer, Anger Creates Sadness

To be social is to be forgiving.
Robert Frost

Forgiveness is important in families, especially when there are so many secrets that need to be healed - for the most part, every family's got them.
Tyler Perry

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
Peter Ustinov

Knowing when to forgive someone is a blessing.
Angel Moreira

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
Martin Luther King Jr.

I believe—that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
Unknown, I Believe That

I like second chances. I've given people second chances. You have fall-outs with friends, and forgiveness is a great thing to have. It's not easy to forgive. I definitely don't forget, but I do forgive.
Odette Annable

Forgive thy brother who has erred, and take him by the hand;and, as you speak a generous word,
assist his feet to stand.
Daniel C. Colesworthy, ForgiveThy Brother

Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love.
Mahavira

Blessed is the person who ...who practices unlimited forgiveness towards others;
William Arthur Ward, Blessed

Christian Forgiveness Quotes About God’s Grace

For Christians, forgiveness is closely connected with God’s mercy and the example of Jesus Christ. These quotes reflect on grace, repentance, prayer, and the forgiveness God offers.

What Christianity is....Toward the penitent it is forgiveness.
Unknown

God led Jesus to a cross, not a crown, and yet that cross ultimately proved to be the gateway to freedom and forgiveness for every sinner in the world.
Bill Hybels

Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee, forgive the secret sins I do not see, that which I know not, Father, teach Thou me — help me to live.
Charles H. Gabriel, My Evening Prayer

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.
C.S. Lewis

Oh, wondrous cross that stands so tall, embodiment of God's eternal call. In your form, hope finds its place,
redemption and forgiveness embrace.
Catherine Pulsifer, God's Eternal Call

I pray that God blesses you to see your need for His forgiveness, and to see your pride as His enemy.
Stephen Shortridge

Church - Forgiveness hangs in the air with Heaven's sweet scent, we plead and pray for mercy asking him never to relent.
Catherine Pulsifer, No Perfect People

Despite our flaws and every sin we bear, God's forgiveness reigns, His mercy held with care.
Catherine Pulsifer, A Reminder Of His Love

Hope springs forth from Jesus' forgiveness divine, the cross whispers resolutely: salvation is thine.
Catherine Pulsifer, His Forgiveness

In the bible it says you have to forgive seventy times seven. I want you all to know, I’m keeping a chart.
Hillary Rodham Clinton

Here is the amazing thing about Easter; the Resurrection Sunday for Christians is this, that Christ in the dying moments on the cross gives us the greatest illustration of forgiveness possible.
T. D. Jakes

Nothing in this low and ruined world bears the meek impress of the Son of God so surely as forgiveness.
Alice Cary

I never say it enough, but thank you God for forgiving me and for not keeping score.
Catherine Pulsifer, Thank You, God

God is sufficient with power and grace. Yes, He'll forgive you, with love pure and strong, His presence will bless you if you're where you belong.
Greta Zwaan, Abram - Gods Promise

We must "look forward and not backward"; we must learn the grace of self-forgiveness.
C. G. Ames, Look Forward

January, the month of new beginnings, a time for repentance and forgiveness.
Catherine Pulsifer, Open To God's Messages

Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace. The cost to God was the Cross of Christ.
Oswald Chambers

God is a God of mercy and compassion and is always ready to forgive all who truly repent.
Donna Schmier

Conclusion

Forgiveness does not mean that hurt never happened or that every relationship will return to what it once was. It means choosing not to let anger and resentment continue to control your heart.

May these forgiveness quotes encourage you to let go where you can, forgive yourself for past mistakes, and extend grace to others. With patience, faith, and understanding, forgiveness can help open the way toward healing and peace.

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