Forgive Them For They Don’t Know What They Do

Are you finding it difficult to forgive? Or what can’t you forgive? Everyone has a seed of forgiveness in him or her, put in there by God. We are meant to allow it to grow and bear fruit. This post uses Jesus as our example to show the root of forgiveness.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God – Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots – Luke 23:34 (NKJV).

You have a right to be angry, but do you have a right not to forgive? Jesus, God Himself (John 1:1-14), was crucified by the people He made. They didn’t just crucify Him, they mocked Him in public; put a crown of thorns on Him, whipped Him and forced Him to carry His own cross through the streets; multitudes were watching and making jeers of Him. They stripped Him of His clothes, nailed Him on a wood He made, between criminals (Him being innocent). People watched, mocked and laughed at Him, people He made! Upon all that, His Father forsook Him (Matthew 27:46) because of this same people! Yet, He prayed to His father saying, “Forgive them, for they do not know what they do”. Do you have a right not to forgive?

 If Jesus could forgive all that, including your sins and mine, what can’t you forgive? Jesus’ action on the cross was a pure demonstration of the love of God in action, the love that is shed abroad in your heart (Romans 5:5). For the joy of seeing the world reconciled back to God (Romans 5:10), Jesus endured the cross; I encourage you to look unto Him. Read more...