Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself demonstrated it on the cross when He forgave those who crucified Him. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to extend mercy and grace, even to those who have committed crimes. While justice is important, forgiveness frees both the offender and the one who forgives. Here are Bible verses that emphasize forgiving criminals and extending the grace of God to all.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Thieves and Liars
God’s Mercy is Greater Than Our Sin
God’s mercy is beyond human comprehension. He forgives even the worst sinners when they turn to Him. No one is beyond redemption, and His love reaches even the most hardened criminals. The Bible shows countless examples of God’s mercy, reminding us that He does not delight in punishment but in repentance and restoration.
Micah 7:18
“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.”
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”
Romans 5:20
“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”
Psalm 103:12
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”
Ezekiel 18:23
“Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.”
Jesus Forgave Sinners, Even Criminals
Jesus set the ultimate example of forgiveness. He did not turn away from sinners, but instead welcomed them and offered them a new life. Even in His final moments, He forgave those who crucified Him and extended mercy to a criminal on the cross. His example teaches us that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Luke 23:42-43
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
John 8:10-11
“Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.'”
Mark 2:17
“When Jesus heard this, he told them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'”
Matthew 9:13
“Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'”
We Are Called to Forgive as God Forgives
God commands us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness is not based on whether someone deserves it, but on the grace we have received from God. Holding onto bitterness can be a burden, while forgiving sets us free and reflects God’s love.
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Stealing Money
Justice and Mercy Go Hand in Hand
The Bible teaches both justice and mercy. While wrongdoing has consequences, God’s justice is always tempered with His mercy. He calls His people to seek justice but also to extend forgiveness, just as He does. True justice is not about revenge but about restoration and reconciliation.
Micah 6:8
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Zechariah 7:9
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.”
Proverbs 21:15
“Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.”
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”
James 2:13
“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
Paul’s Life Shows That God Forgives Even the Worst Sinners
The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, persecuted Christians before encountering Jesus. His story is a powerful example of how God can forgive and transform even the worst of sinners. No one is beyond His grace, and He can use even former criminals for His glory.
1 Timothy 1:15-16
“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”
Acts 9:15
“But the Lord said, ‘Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.'”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Romans 8:1
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 1:13
“You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it.”
God’s Love Calls Us to Love Even Our Enemies
Jesus taught that love should extend even to our enemies. Criminals may be people who have wronged us, but as followers of Christ, we are called to love and forgive them. This radical love mirrors God’s love for humanity, showing the world His grace.
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Romans 12:20
“Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.'”
Luke 6:35
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.”
1 Peter 3:9
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
God Offers a Second Chance to All
The Bible is full of people who failed but were given second chances by God. Criminals, sinners, and those who turned away from Him can always find forgiveness when they repent. God is in the business of redemption, and He desires to restore broken lives.
Jonah 3:10
“When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.”
Joel 2:13
“Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”