3 Powerful Examples of Forgiveness From the Bible

Christians are instructed to do some pretty difficult things in the Bible. One of the most difficult seems to be truly forgiving those who have wronged you. We are often fine with not trying to enact revenge. Yet, we are usually slow to let things go. The Bible’s teaching on forgiveness is very clear. We always forgive no matter what and if we do not forgive then how can we expect God to forgive us.

Mattew 18:21-22

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 6:15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The real issue is that many people often make excuses as to why they do not need to forgive. Stating the issue is too big. Or God understands why I can’t forgive that person. However, many examples exist in the Bible that show forgiveness in action. Examples that prove no matter how big or small the transgression you are still called to let it go. Bellow, you will find three BIblical yet very different examples of forgiveness. While each account is different they share the common theme of forgiveness no matter the circumstance.

Paul Stands Alone

2 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)

16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.

Paul stood trial with no other believers with him for support. It would have been easy to be upset at the others for not supporting him. But that’s just not who Paul was. He is a great example of living a truly Christian lifestyle. Instead of holding a grudge or complaining he simply forgives them. Making a statement that seems to show he hopes that their action will not be held against them in any way by anyone.

I realize this example is not something huge, but just work with me. Think about it in terms of how most people would react today. You are brought out in front of the Judge and you look over and don’t see any familiar faces. None of your colleagues or friends have shown up to support you in this time of need. You would definitely be upset and probably angry.

As we know Paul was not thrown in jail this time. So just imagine walking back in the house where everyone is? I imagine it would only go one of two ways. You either walk in a start going off about how you have always been there for them and so on. Or you just give them the cold shoulder and go to your room. It is even possible you would want others to hold their actions against them. But it seems as though Paul was able to understand their situation and forgive them almost instantly. If we would all act as Paul did we would see so much more joy in our homes and Churches!

Stephens Last Words

Acts 7:57-60 (NLT)

57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him

58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

While Paul’s story was somewhat minor. Stephen’s act of forgiveness is far from minor. I mean he was asking God not to count his murder as sin on those who were actively murdering him. We often talk about powerful last words. Stephens has to go down as some of the most powerful ever uttered. Hearing him forgive his murders had to have an impact on those watching. (Possibly even leaving a lasting impression on a young man named Saul that you would know better as the Apostle Paul.)

This incredible act should lead you to ask yourself a few questions. Would I be able to forgive as Steven did? Do I love others that much? He forgave something massive, am I even willing to forgive the little things? The Bible says to love your neighbor as you love yourself. If you truly love someone you are willing to forgive them of anything. Just as we see Stephen was willing to do. You can’t do much worse to someone then killing them for simply sharing their belief.

Of course, someone’s actions against you may change your relationship with them. But that does not mean you shouldn’t forgive them. You have to look past what they did and realize that they are lost. Show them the grace and mercy of the Father, who we know is willing to forgive anyone. Even in death, Stephen was the reflection of the father that we are all called to be.

Jesus’s Mighty Act

Luke 23:34 (KJV)

34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Truly no greater example of forgiveness exists. While Jesus was enduring some of the most brutal and unjust punishment known to man he still forgave. He cried out to God asking for those who were responsible for his crucifixion to be forgiven. All the while Roman soldiers are gambling for his clothing.

That’s a powerful act of forgiveness. Even when we read through Luke 23 today we still get upset. It is hard for us to comprehend how they could miss who Jesus was and how they could do such horrible things to him. But that’s just it, we do not know what truly was in their hearts. However, Jesus did and He knew that they were only doing what they saw as right. Jesus to the Jews was a problem. Someone who came destroys all they stood for.

Not only did Jesus know that those people were doing what they thought to be right. He knew that he must be crucified so that the world would be saved. It was a necessary evil that would untimely lead to good.

Learning From These Examples

In the last example, Jesus was able to forgive because He had true understanding. Since we are unable to see into the hearts of others, as Jesus did, it can be hard to forgive. We are forced to make assumptions to see the motive of people. Often times we can assume wrong. As Christians, we should always assume the best in others, even those who hate us. Not thinking people are evil or out to get us all the time. But that they truly do not know what they are doing.

Stephen was placed in a very similar position to Jesus. He preached truth to a group. In the hopes of saving them and leading them to a true relationship with the Father through Jesus. Stephens words infuriated the people, just as Jesus did. Causing them to brutally murder him.

Unlike Jesus, Stephen could not see into the hearts of his accusers. He was unable to tell what they truly believed. But that did not stop him from forgiving. He assumed that these people were truly lost. Leading him to use his final breath to ask God to not count the sin of his murder against them.

The Golden Rule

We have seen three examples of forgiveness that should cause us to want to forgive those who have wronged us. Yet I feel as though some of us may require a little more encouragement. I believe the golden rule is a great reason to forgive others in your life.

Matthew 7:12 (NLT)

12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

None of us want a grudge to be held against us. But we when don’t forgive others that is exactly what we are doing to them. So how can we ever expect someone to forgive us if we never forgive others? We can’t, so it is important that we forgive so we can be forgiven. This also aligns with asking the Father for forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer.

Matthew 6:12 (NLT)

12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

God Can Help

Forgiving others can, of course, be very hard. Especially depending on the severity of the circumstances. Even though that is true it does not mean you should not still forgive them. The good news is that God can give you the strength you need. Simply pray and ask God for his help. Ask Him to give you the words to say and to help you be the right example of a Christian. It is God’s will we forgive others and the Bible says he will hear us when we ask for things according to His will.

1 John 5:14 (KJV)

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

Thanks For Reading!

We hope this article has shown you the importance of forgiveness. While also inspiring to search your heart and take action if necessary. If this article has helped you we ask that you help us by sharing it through social media or word of mouth. We truly want to help others grown in their walk with the Lord and the best way we can do that is with your help. Thank you in advance.

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