Do you struggle with holding a grudge? Are there people you refuse to forgive? Everyone will be hurt at one time or another. The question is, “How will you handle it when your heart breaks?” Jesus gives us some sound principles on how to forgive people. People mocked him as he was hanging on the cross and questioned whether He was God. His response? Father, forgive them.
Luke 23:32
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, 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.
The Bigger Picture
Imagine what your state of mind would be after suffering what Christ has and then to be hanging on the cross. It would be easy to be angry or even defeated. Jesus replies to all of this with “Forgive them.” In my book, that is pretty amazing! Who in their right mind would do that? Jesus knew something easy for us to miss. He saw the big picture and understood that most of these people were either following orders or had been convinced by others. They didn’t realize that the Son of God was right there with them. Isaiah 53 was being fulfilled, and they didn’t know it. All they knew was that they were crucifying someone.
Forgive Them
Forgiveness is one of the most challenging things humans have to do. Putting aside our pain and pride, you have to remove judgment. We must let them off the hook and go on as if life were normal. Forgiveness is one of the greatest virtues you can learn as a young Christian. To be able to forgive is essential to your spiritual growth.
See Beyond the Moment
This shows us an important lesson about forgiveness. The people hurting us often have no clue what they are doing. We need to have the same heart that Jesus does. Forgive them. Look at them with love and see beyond the moment. Sure the pain that is inflicted is real. Yes, we have to fight the urge for revenge. What is important is that we rise above it. Jesus rose above it by going to the cross so our sins could be forgiven.