I have often wondered how Jesus was able to remain forgiving and compassionate to the very end, especially when you consider the lies, betrayal, injustice, false accusation and sheer hatred directed toward Him. I believe that the hardest words ever said by a human might possibly be these words that Jesus said just before He died on that cross: "Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do." But that's what love, in its purest form does. Love is a powerful force.
What if you were on that cross, and the betrayers and the accusers were children you love? Wouldn't it still be your greatest desire to see them someday forgiven and reconciled with their heavenly Father? Could you really wish to see them judged and condemned to hell? I think that must be what God saw when He looked out on all those who yelled, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" I don't think He saw evil. I think He saw His children, His own flesh and blood. Confused, manipulated, deceived, irrational and misguided. What a loving and merciful God we serve.
There is only one path to forgiveness. You must love like you have never been hurt. You have to be willing to say the hardest words ever said: “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”
We, as holy people, forgive relentlessly, continuously, habitually- because our Holy God never fails to forgive us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, how hard those words must have been for You to say: “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” Help me to say those words in every situation, offering up those who have hurt me or someone I love. Teach me Your perspective, Lord. Help me see what You see so I can do what You want me to do. Thank You for forgiving me. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Exercise
Answer these simple questions and make a few decisions right where you are:
· Do you want to be hurt or healed?
· Do you want to be right or reconciled?
· Do you want to keep being the victim or start becoming whole?
The Holy Spirit will never go where He is not invited. Perhaps your greatest next step down the pathway to forgiving like you’ve never been hurt is in the act of giving God permission to do a new work in you.
Ask the Lord to begin a work of forgiveness in you. More than likely this won’t all be solved right now, but I challenge you to give God permission to begin a healing work in you. Ask Him to begin the work of renewing your mind for the hurt you are holding on to, and for the person who caused the pain.
Scripture Reference
Luke 23:33-34 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.
Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.