Forgiving Those Who Cause Suffering

Luke 23:32-34

Most all of us has suffered wrong because of someone else. Perhaps it was intentional, or maybe it wasn't. Regardless, the pain caused is real. I remember growing up, my little brother got in trouble several times for things I did. There were times that we were both guilty, but other times he suffered my consequences and he was innocent. It wasn't fair, but as a kid, I was more than willing to let him suffer in my place. Had I set the record straight, I would have received my own consequences. Thankfully, my brother has put the past behind him and forgiven me.

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There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”.

Luke 23:32-34

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On the cross, Jesus was innocent of the crimes He was charged with. As a matter of fact, Jesus is the only person to ever be executed who was not guilty of any wrongdoing ever in His life. He never broke a moral law, civic law, or criminal law. He did break some traditions, but never a law. For living a perfect life, the people of His day had him executed in a brutal way.

Notice His words in verse 34, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do". While He was suffering an excruciating death, He asked God to forgive the very people who were wronging Him. He asked for the forgiveness of the Jews who called for His execution. He asked forgiveness for the Romans who carried out His execution. He asked forgiveness for the thieves who mocked His execution.

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Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Ephesians 5:1-2

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... forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do

Colossians 3:13

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Forgiving those who cause us pain is not just something for Jesus to do. He did this for our salvation, but He also did this as an example for us. We are called to forgive others just like He did. The above verse is only one example of the numerous verses that tell us to forgive. When we refuse to forgive those who cause of pain and suffering, we are saying that we are more entitled to hold onto our wrongs and hurt feelings than the Creator and Judge of the Universe. When we forgive, we bear His image and can truly take on His name, "Christians".

Father, help me to be like you. May I forgive those who cause me hurt, especially when I do not feel like it. Help me to forgive, not just so that I do the right thing, but most of all so that they see you!