The Bible records many stories about "forgiving". The Lord Jesus also taught us like this: when we forgive men when they sin against us, our heavenly father will also forgive us.
However, it's hard to forgive men from our hearts. Below are seven stories about "forgiving", reminding us to remember God's mercy, love and his calling us to forgive others.
1. Jesus taught Peter to forgive seventy-seven times
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
2. Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him
Genesis 45:4-8 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. "
3. Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery
John 8:1-11 ...Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
4. Jesus prayed for the people who hurt him
John 23:33-34 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
5. Stephen cried out to the Lord for those who stoned him before death
Acts 7:58-60 ...While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
6. King David forgave Saul who wanted to kill him
1 Samuel 24:1-15 "...This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.' See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion..."
7. Paul asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus
"...yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains...So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me."
