7 Biblical Examples of God’s Transformative Forgiveness

Have you ever received forgiveness you didn’t deserve? You do or say something that hurts a loved one, and you know you've crossed the line, that you don't deserve forgiveness. But, oh, what a great joy it is! The other person decides to forgive you.

The Bible speaks of this kind of forgiveness. It is the forgiveness that God gives us, one that we don’t deserve and that we often don’t fully understand.

In the Bible, there are examples of people who made great mistakes but received forgiveness from God or from others. Look at the following stories of forgiveness and decide to be more grateful for the forgiveness you have received and more forgiving for the glory of God.

1. David: The Power of Humility Before God

David was the second king of Israel. God chose him from a very young age for this role. He was the youngest of 8 brothers, and his father’s name was Jesse. As a child, he was a shepherd; he also loved music, played the harp, and composed. He wrote many of the Psalms we have in the Bible.

In the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, we find many accounts of David's life. One of the most well-known stories is in 1 Samuel 17, where he defeats Goliath, a giant from the Philistine army. There, David showed great courage and trust in God's protection. His fame began to grow, which fueled King Saul’s jealousy, and he began to persecute David. As a result, David had to flee and spent time in exile.

After Saul’s death, David returned, was crowned king of Judah, and later, king of Israel. His fame and daring grew over time due to his victories over many armies. One of his most significant achievements was bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. As a result, God made great promises to him.

However, in 2 Samuel 11 and 12, we read about a dark chapter in David’s life. During the siege of the city of Rabbah, David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of the soldiers. Indirectly, he ordered Uriah’s death so that he could marry Bathsheba. As a consequence of this whole situation, God sent the prophet Nathan to reveal to David the consequences of his actions. We read that the child born from this relationship died. There were also great problems and conflicts between David and his other children.

This situation greatly displeased God. It seems that David’s repentance came when the prophet Nathan spoke to him. David reflected and realized his sin, recognizing that he had wronged God. Psalm 51 expresses the pain he felt. David begins the psalm asking for God’s compassion and then pleads for God to intervene in his life.

David acknowledged that his wrong actions affected his relationship with others and with God. He needed the restoration that comes with God’s forgiveness, and we know he received it. God never rejects a heart that humbles itself and acknowledges its mistakes. In the same Psalm 51, verse 7, David writes: “You do not despise a broken and contrite heart, O God.”

God’s forgiveness came. In Acts 13, we read that Paul, speaking to the synagogue leaders in Pisidia, mentioned David, saying:

A man after God’s own heart! This is what God’s forgiveness accomplishes. It draws us closer to Him and urges us to be transformed to become all that He wants us to be.

Learn more about David: A man after God’s own heart

2. Paul: A New Life for the Glory of God

Saul was born in Tarsus into a family faithful to the Jewish religion. As a young man, he learned the trade of tent-making. He grew up within the strict teachings of the Pharisees and became a defender of their beliefs. His great zeal led him to persecute Christians, whom he saw as a sect threatening everything he had believed in. Saul was present during the stoning of Stephen, considered the first Christian martyr. From that moment on, his desire to eliminate those who believed in Jesus grew even stronger.

Despite all this, God had His eyes on Saul. He saw great potential in him and decided to reveal Himself to him. Where others saw a hard heart, full of hatred and bent on destroying Christians, God saw a heart thirsting for Him and purpose - an opportunity to transform a life by giving it new meaning.

Saul asked the high priest for permission to go and persecute Christians in Damascus. The permission was granted, and the journey began. But God had a much more special plan.

Saul’s life was never the same after his encounter with God. From a persecutor, he became a faithful follower of Jesus. That same zeal he once had for persecuting Christians, he now used to speak of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the change he had experienced. Many Christians found it hard to accept him as part of the church; they were suspicious of him. But Saul (now Paul) remained faithful, serving God and helping to spread the message of salvation.

Paul became a great missionary and church planter. The Bible speaks of his three missionary journeys, his visits to the churches, and also tells us of his sufferings. In the midst of illness and persecution, Paul remained faithful to the One who had forgiven his mistakes and given him the opportunity to make amends for the harm he had done.

In the New Testament, there are 13 epistles written by him. In them, we see the great work he did in carrying the message of salvation through Jesus.

3. Peter, Forgiven and Restored

Peter belonged to a fishing family from the city of Bethsaida and was married. The first encounter he and his brother had with Jesus was special, as Jesus gave them a new purpose.

From that moment on, Peter became one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He was rather rough and impulsive, traits that are reflected in various Bible passages. His impulsiveness led him to speak or act before thinking, as we see, for example, in Matthew 14:25-31. He was with the other disciples in a boat when Jesus approached them, walking on the water. Peter said, "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," Jesus said. Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

Peter was part of Jesus' inner circle, the apostles who shared special moments with the Master. He became somewhat of a spokesperson for the twelve, declaring great truths at times.

During the Last Supper, we see a very special scene. The disciples begin to argue about which one of them would be the most important. Jesus tells them that in His kingdom, the greatest is the one who serves. He encourages them to follow His example of service, and then speaks directly to Peter.

Jesus knew what would happen and gave a prophetic word. He knew that Peter would deny Him and prayed for him, for strength in his faith. Jesus said that Peter would recover from that great mistake and would become an example for the other disciples. And so it happened!

When they arrested Jesus and took Him to the high priest’s house, Peter denied three times that he knew Him, just as Jesus had said. When he realized what he had done, Peter felt bitter sorrow in his heart. He had failed the Master! But after Jesus’ resurrection, in John 21:15-19, we read one of the most beautiful stories of forgiveness and restoration. Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" and each time Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus gave him a commission: "Feed my lambs; take care of my sheep; feed my sheep."

We know that Peter became one of the leaders of the early Christians. In the book of Acts, we read how God used him to heal and preach with power. The church grew thanks to his faithfulness and perseverance in bringing the message of salvation.

This is who God is—full of love and forgiveness. He is always waiting, longing for us to come to Him with humility and give Him a chance. He not only forgives us, but He also gives us a new purpose. Don’t delay in accepting His love and forgiveness.

If you are interested in knowing more about Peter and his life you can also read:

• The Story of the Apostle Simon Peter
• Understanding Peter's Denial

4. Jacob and Esau, Rival Twins with a Second Chance

Jacob and Esau were twins, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Their rivalry and fighting began even before they were born, and at the time of birth, Jacob was born second, with his hand gripping Esau’s heel. Their lives were filled with conflicts. They constantly fought and competed for their father’s favor and the blessing of their lineage.

Esau, the older brother, was a hunter, a rugged and hairy man. He was his father’s favorite. Jacob, on the other hand, was a shrewd shepherd and his mother’s favorite. One day, Esau returned hungry and tired after hunting. Jacob was preparing a stew, and Esau asked for food. Jacob took advantage of the situation and told him he would give him a bowl of stew in exchange for his birthright. Esau agreed, selling his right to be the family’s heir for a bowl of food. That day, the rivalry between them grew.

Later, when Isaac was about to die, Jacob once again acted with cunning. With the help of his mother, Rebekah, he managed to receive the blessing that was meant for the firstborn. Esau became furious and promised to kill his brother. Jacob had to flee. During his escape, Jacob had a vision of the Lord that deeply moved him.

Jacob took refuge with his uncle, where he worked for many years to marry Rachel, the woman he loved. There, he prospered greatly, having wives, children, and many possessions. He became a wealthy man, and this brought him trouble with his father-in-law.

God commanded him to return with his family to his homeland, but Jacob feared meeting Esau again. However, when Esau saw him from a distance, he ran to meet him, embraced him, and forgave him.

God had also blessed Esau. After many years of rivalry, the two brothers, upon reuniting, forgave each other and reconciled.

To learn more about the life of Jacob, here is his story.

5. Joseph, the Forgiveness of the Traitor Brothers

Joseph had 11 brothers on his father’s side. His brothers were envious of him and angry because he was their father’s favorite. When Joseph was 17 years old, his father gave him a beautiful multicolored coat. This fueled his brothers' jealousy and anger, and they vowed to take revenge on Joseph.

The brothers sold Joseph as a slave and made their father believe that an animal had killed him. The life of slavery was very hard, but Joseph did his work faithfully and with integrity. Little by little, he rose in rank due to his good work and a gift that God had given him: the ability to interpret dreams. He interpreted a very important dream of the Pharaoh, and he was given a high position in the government.

Joseph became the governor of Egypt, earning the full trust of Pharaoh and virtually managing everything. There was famine throughout the world, but Joseph’s foresight and good administration ensured that Egypt lacked nothing. People from various nations began to come in search of food. Among them were Joseph’s brothers.

Joseph recognized them, but said nothing. He asked about his father and his younger brother. After confirming that everyone was well, he revealed to them that he was Joseph, the brother they had sold. Instead of taking advantage of the situation to leave them without food or seek revenge, Joseph embraced them and forgave them. He knew that God had allowed everything to happen for a purpose: to save their lives and the lives of many others.

Despite the betrayal and cruelty Joseph had suffered at the hands of his brothers, he chose not to hold a grudge. Instead, he focused on doing good throughout his life. His story speaks to the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty. Even when we go through very difficult trials, it is better to fill our hearts with forgiveness and not be blinded by resentment and the desire for revenge.

See also: The story of Joseph (the dreamer).

6. Stephen, a Forgiving Heart Until the End

Stephen was part of the early church, the church that emerged during the time of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. As we read in Acts 6, he was a faithful follower of Jesus, a man full of faith, a good testimony, wise, and full of the Holy Spirit.

For this reason, he was chosen along with six other men from the church for a mission. They were assigned to serve food and ensure that everyone, including the widows, received provisions.

However, Stephen, in addition to serving the widows and the rest of the church, was known for performing great wonders and miracles among the people. He also preached about Jesus with great wisdom, which led to strong opposition against him.

The priests and some groups from the synagogue feared Stephen’s influence over the people and sought false witnesses to speak against him before the authorities. They bribed them to testify against him and stir up the people.

Stephen was arrested and brought before the council (Sanhedrin). The Bible says that Stephen’s face appeared like that of an angel. The high priest questioned him, and Stephen took the opportunity to recount the history of the people of Israel, speaking of God's care and the prophecies about Jesus.

He accused them of rejecting Jesus' message and of killing Him, which enraged them. They rushed at him, dragged him out of the city, and stoned him. As they stoned him, he committed himself to God and prayed for them. Just as Jesus did at the moment of His crucifixion (Luke 23:34a), Stephen begged God to forgive those who were stoning him (Acts 7:60).

Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity, died with a word of forgiveness on his lips, leaving us a powerful example of forgiveness.

7. Mary Magdalene, the Power of Liberation and Forgiveness

Mary Magdalene was a Jewish woman who experienced the liberating and saving power of God in her life. Jesus cast seven demons out of her, and from that moment on, she lived free from the oppression of the enemy. With her heart full of gratitude, she devoted her life to following Jesus and serving Him.

She was one of the women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples on their journeys. Along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women mentioned in the Bible, they helped and served Jesus and His disciples with their possessions.

Her service to Jesus was not limited to the peaceful moments of tranquility. Along with the other women, Mary Magdalene witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus, staying by His side.

She was also the first to visit the tomb early on Sunday morning after Jesus’ crucifixion because she wanted to anoint His body. Jesus appeared to her, making her the first person to see the risen Christ.

The deliverance from demons that Mary Magdalene experienced was the beginning of a profound transformation. From that moment on, she chose to leave behind her life of bondage and live for Jesus. There is nothing in the world that compares to the liberating, forgiving, and transforming touch of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Would you like to learn more about forgiveness in the Bible?

• Examples of Forgiveness In The Bible: 5 Stories (And What We Learn From Them)
• Forgiving 70x7: What Jesus Really Meant About Forgiveness (Bible Study)
• The Meaning And Importance of Forgiveness in The Bible (Bible study)
• Forgiveness: 6 Important Lessons (A Bible Study)
• 7 Verses on the Absolute Importance of Repentance