Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34

Forgiveness sounds like a marvelous idea until you have to do it. How can you forgive someone who has broken a promise? How can you forgive someone who you do not trust? Forgiveness is more than something we do, but it demonstrates our heart. The scripture passage demonstrates to us the heart of Jesus. He had a heart of forgiveness and of compassion for forgiveness. After a long night of being arrested, abandoned by His closest friends, falsely accused, unjustly beaten, and condemned to death, Jesus was publicly humiliated and displayed for all to see. Yet, His first cry from the cross was “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” At no point did His love fail but “He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even death of the cross” (Phil 2:8). Though Christ was innocent, He prayed asking the Father to forgive those who were responsible for His death. He asked for God’s mercy not to judge them, but that they might be given opportunity for salvation. Christ taught forgiveness to His disciples when He said, “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Lk 6:27-28). Though He was displayed for public shame and crucified unto death, He demonstrated His heart and the heart of God, true forgiveness. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He came to bring forgiveness, even forgiveness those who crucified Him, if they only would believe. My friend, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). He died for the sin of the world. Though only a few were present at the Cross, it was all our sins that nailed Jesus to the Cross. He gave His life for all, that all might be forgiven and saved from the penalty of sin, which is death. Dear friend, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, and He can forgive you as well. Do you believe Him and accept His forgiveness for your sin? Father thank You for Your love and the forgiveness of sin. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.