Most of us have experienced the challenge of forgiving someone who has hurt us. These hurts range from misleading us, taking from us, misrepresenting us, to ruining our reputation or livelihood.
I am always challenged by the example of Jesus on the cross asking his Father to forgive those who put him there.
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 23 : 33 - 34 NIV]
Jesus was asking the Father to forgive those who put him on the cross - his accusers, his assailants and his murderers.
How hard was that?
It could only have come from the deep, deep love Jesus had for them.
Because they sure hadn't done anything like what many churches teach for people to receive God's forgiveness today.
They hadn't made a public confession of their faith, or been baptised, or affirmed the church's doctrinal statement, or followed any of the formulas many churches impose upon new converts.
And it happened even before Jesus had become the sin-offering for our sins on the cross!
Jesus was giving an unforgettable example of what he had already taught his followers.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
[Matthew 5 : 43 - 45a NIV]
This event also gives us a clear insight into God's love - a love that forgives under all circumstances.
"Love is kind ... It keeps no record of wrongs ... Love never fails" are snippets from 1 Corinthians 13.
Jesus' prayer before he died on the cross demonstrated the forgiveness that flowed from his deep love for those who put him there - the Jews and the Romans (Gentiles).
Giving his life on the cross just a few minutes later demonstrated his deep love for all of humanity, all Jews and all Gentiles, and the forgiveness of sin for all of us that flowed from it.
There is a personal aspect to this for us who are followers of Christ.
When we choose mercy and forgiveness in our times of hurt we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus and his Father.
However, this is not easy - forgiveness is not easy.
It is not pretending the hurt didn't happen. And it is not excusing wrongdoing.
It is a deliberate decision to exercise love by showing mercy, letting go of the right to respond in any "just" retaliatory way.
Wouldn't our families, our communities, our world, even our churches, be totally different if we forgave our "enemies" as Jesus forgave his?
Blessings, Barry
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