Examples of Forgiveness In The Bible: 5 Stories (And What We Learn From Them)

If forgiving were easy, the Bible probably wouldn’t advise us to forgive so many times. That’s why we find so many examples of forgiveness throughout the stories, with Jesus Christ being the greatest example of forgiveness. With these examples, God shows us that practicing forgiveness is essential for our holistic growth. That is, to have a healthy spiritual, emotional, and relational life, we need to exercise forgiveness that pleases God.

1. Joseph and His Brothers

The story of Joseph is a powerful example of forgiveness (Genesis 37 - 45:1-15). After being sold into slavery by his own brothers and being given up for dead to his father, Joseph lived for years away from his family in a hostile land. After many years of suffering, Jacob reunited with his brothers and chose to forgive them when he had the opportunity for revenge.

Joseph recognized that God had a greater purpose through his harsh life journey. He did not hold onto the bitterness that could have arisen from his brothers' actions. Instead, holding onto God, he offered them forgiveness and allowed for reconciliation. Offer forgiveness without harboring resentment for the wrongs done to you, to live a new story.

2. Jesus and the Sinners

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34a)

These impactful words spoken by Jesus at the moment of His crucifixion teach us much about how to forgive. Despite such injustice and pain, Jesus demonstrated the deepest love by offering forgiveness to those who crucified Him.

Jesus is our ultimate example of forgiveness. His generous attitude in forgiving and praying for His oppressors teaches us a great deal about unconditional forgiveness. Go further, like Jesus: forgive and pray for those who persecute you, to achieve lasting peace.

3. The Prodigal Son

The parable of the prodigal son tells the story of a loving father who welcomes back his son who squandered everything he had when he decided to go far from home. The father generously forgave everything and received his son back with open arms, without any condemnation (Luke 15:11-32).

This example illustrates God’s magnificent and compassionate forgiveness, which embraces us even when we err and drift away from Him at some point in life. This story also teaches us the importance of forgiving and extending mercy to those who repent.

If you are far from the Heavenly Father, come back home. If you need to forgive someone, don’t waste time! Offer mercy and reconciliation, rejoicing in the return of harmony.

4. Jesus and Peter

Peter had a complicated journey while following Jesus Christ as a disciple. At times, he demonstrated great faith, even walking on water, and on other occasions, he showed a short fuse, going so far as to cut off someone's ear when they threatened them.

On the night of Jesus' arrest and trial, Peter denied knowing Him three times. After Jesus' resurrection, He met with Peter on the beach. Instead of condemning him, Jesus offered him an opportunity for reconciliation. He asked Peter if he loved Him three times, and upon receiving an affirmative answer, Jesus entrusted him with the task of shepherding His sheep.

This encounter shows Jesus' restoring forgiveness and teaches us that those we love can hurt us. But God's love should speak louder. We must forgive without holding onto resentment for the wrongs done to us. Additionally, this example also highlights the importance of giving second chances, even after failures and betrayals.

5. Stephen and His Persecutors

Stephen was persecuted for demonstrating his faith and the power of God working in his life. He was unjustly accused of blaspheming against God and Moses, and even at the moment of his death, the Bible reveals that Stephen did not complain, did not express anger, or become resentful (Acts 7:54-60). Instead, he looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

In the last moments of his life, while being stoned, he prayed. What did he ask for? That God would receive his spirit and forgive his murderers. Through this courageous testimony, Stephen left us a great example by doing exactly what Jesus Christ taught:

Learning to Forgive with the Lessons of Stephen

Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 that if we forgive others, God will also forgive us. The opposite is also true: if we do not forgive those who have offended us, we will not be forgiven by God. Knowing that our sins have been forgiven by God fills us with a peace that surpasses human understanding!

Those who cannot forgive do not have peace in their hearts; they constantly replay the words or actions of their offenders and often think of ways to take revenge.

Stephen was well aware of and followed these words of Jesus, which is why he was able to forgive those who were unjustly condemning him. Even while being accused, his face reflected peace: he knew he was secure in God!

Stephen Showed Strength Through Forgiveness

To forgive requires great strength. This world often thinks and teaches the exact opposite: they say that those who forgive are fools, and that the brave are those who don’t let anything slide and are always ready to "pay back." But Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek when someone strikes us, and having this attitude requires a strength that must come from God.

Stephen had this strength, and good works were a hallmark of his life. The Bible describes him as “a man full of grace and power,” who “performed great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8).

We also see in Acts 6:10 that Stephen's accusers could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. This reveals that, in addition to being strong, this servant of God spoke with the wisdom given by the Spirit of God.

And you, can you forgive?

In our journey through this world, we will face difficult situations and go through tribulations; the Bible itself warns us about this. People will hurt us and be unjust to us, but we must always forgive. However, to extend forgiveness, there is an essential requirement: the Holy Spirit of God.

In chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles, Stephen was chosen along with six other men to serve God by distributing food. These men were men of God, but when presenting the seven names, Stephen is described as someone full of faith and the Holy Spirit.

May we all be like this great man of faith, so that in the difficult moments of our lives, we lift our eyes and pray to the Father for those around us, even for those who harm us.

If you are going through a situation and are struggling to forgive, pray to God, asking His Spirit for help to release forgiveness right now.

Listen to this devotional and discover how forgiveness transforms your life.

You could also read:

• 6 Important Lessons About Forgiveness in The Bible
• God Uses the Unlikely: 5 Biblical Characters Who Were Unlikely Heroes