Forgive and Release the Power to Heal

“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).”

The word forgive is used at least 95 times in the King James Version of the bible. When you hear something repeated over and over again it is done so to place emphasis on matters of importance. The word forgive evokes thoughts of offenses experienced and too often these offenses are painful and warrant revenge on the perpetrator not forgiveness. As Christians we are admonished to forgive others as we have been forgiven. Christ who had no sin forgave those who crucified Him; “Father forgive them for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)”. Powerful words considering the hurt He endured yet He calls us to do the same. Imagine the hurt(s) you’ve experienced and then asking, “Father forgive them …” I dare say it’s not easy.

Experiencing hurt and then asking the Lord to forgive those who hurt you is the ultimate act of compassion and love but most of all it begs mercy towards the one(s) that hurt you. When others hurt you they may be lacking the knowledge or awareness of the impact their actions are rendering on them and they will have to answer to God for all of their deeds. Asking God to forgive them is asking Him to grant them mercy because He is the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs. “… if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer (Romans 13:4).”