“Forgive Them”
By Rev. Everett R. Kimble, Sr.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”— Luke 23:34 (KJV)
I have never seen or been more affected by the hatred in the world right now. I had to turn the TV off last night because it was impossible to find a channel not showing how someone’s hatred had led to something bad or horrific. I am not just talking about shows that are scripted but real-life TV, news, documentaries, reality television, updates and information, all focused on the terrible and awful things people are doing to one another. Over and over again, day in and day out, it is not a pretty sight. And I get it, bad things happen, but people seem to enjoy it. The world appears to be caught up in this back-and-forth struggle of; if you do it to me, I am going to do it to you. It seems never ending, but it can all come to a halt if we are willing to stop and say with sincerity some words that define our humanity; “I Love You, and I Forgive You.”
Jesus in this passage had reached His earthly destination and destiny and if He took queue from the world we live in today, He would have been well within His right to fight back and stand His ground. He could have taken out His vengeance on everyone there at the cross and walk away vindicated. But he looked past the pain from the people and looked to God with complete and awesome love and did exactly what He teaches all of us to do when it counts, He forgave.
I wish I had a story this morning of how I was able to forgive someone in a moment like this and be the shining example of a believer, but unfortunately, my stories are of how I reacted first, and then needed to back-up and ask for forgiveness myself before I could forgive. It’s hard to forgive when we are hurt, but Jesus is our example, and here is my encouragement for all of us today; forgiving is huge step in witnessing.
To be true ambassadors for Christ we must be willing to forgive? The lessons of the world teach us that it is ok to go tit-for-tat, toe-to-toe, and head-to-head, but when we do who wins and where does it end. If we are going to move forward as the lights Jesus has ordained us to be our mission begins with forgiveness. Jesus forgave us all, and we have to forgive those who have hurt us, lied on us, trampled on our feelings, and most of all we must forgive ourselves. There is power in forgiveness, so start forgiving and release your power today.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:34, KJV).
Forgiveness is a huge part of your witness so you can begin witnessing today. Your healing has already begun.
Have a blessed and forgiving Friday.
