Jesus lived a perfect life. He surrendered himself completely to the will of God, loved people unconditionally and pointed people to a relationship with God. But his message challenged the religious community and pointed to a new reality that many weren’t ready to embrace. He faced hostile crowds, was criticized for the company he kept and was accused and convicted of blasphemy. He was mocked, spit upon, bruised and beaten and nailed to a cross to die between two criminals. Yet, in the midst of all he endured, he never spoke an evil word, retaliated, cursed or threatened his persecutors. While hanging on the cross, he prayed this prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This is forgiveness beyond our comprehension. Jesus looked beyond their actions, beyond their abuse and saw their need for God, their need for forgiveness. Jesus then died on that cross for the sins of those men and for your sins and mine. 

Scriptures – Luke 6:28, 23:32-34; Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 5:43-44, 6:14-15, 9:5-7, 26:28; Romans 12:17-18; Colossians 3:13

Verses – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34) “This is my blood, which seals God’s covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:28) “Keep speaking blessings on those who curse you. Keep praying for those who mistreat you.” (Lk 6:28) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Rm 12:17-18)

Thought – Jesus came because humanity’s greatest need is forgiveness. The men who crucified Jesus really didn’t know what they were doing. Many people in our world are sinning against God and traveling down a path that leads to the destruction of everything they touch, all the while thinking they are doing the right thing. Have you ever truly believed you were doing the right thing, or at least not doing anything wrong, only to realize that your actions caused great pain and damage? We have all inflicted hurt on others, whether we knew what we were doing or not, and we have all suffered hurt that has been inflicted on us by others. Jesus calls us to forgive. We may not want to forgive; we may not feel the person deserves forgiveness, but we are called to a higher standard…forgiveness is the path Jesus has placed before us. Because we have received forgiveness for our sins, we are to extend that forgiveness to others. Forgiveness starts by asking God to change your heart and by turning over the pain you are harboring to Him. You can then reach out to extend forgiveness to whomever you need to reconcile with. Forgiveness doesn’t often come in a split second, it comes with time, prayer and reminding yourself that if you took all your hurts and multiplied them hundreds of times, it wouldn’t ever come close to the amount of forgiveness God has extended to you.

Questions – Are you slow to anger and quick to forgive or quick to anger and slow to forgive? Are you often angry or hurt by the actions of others? Do you feel you are a forgiving person? Why or why not? Do you quickly ask for forgiveness when you realize you have hurt someone? Has anyone ever refused to forgive you of something? If so, how did you deal with it? Have you ever felt certain you were right in an action, but then realized you were terribly wrong? If so, what did you do to try and fix it, if anything? Are you now harboring any hurts that you need to forgive?

Response – Move forward in forgiveness. With whom in your life do you need to make amends? Ask God to take your hurts and open your heart to forgiveness. Pray for the person each day. Remember people often don’t realize the depths of hurt their actions may have caused. 

Prayer – Father, forgive me for my unforgiveness. Open my heart and mind to the depths of love and forgiveness you have offered me. I am so thankful that you love me that much. Help me to live in the peace you desire by forgiving freely and completely. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.