Let It Go: It’s Time To Forgive
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they’re doing.”
I’ve had my heart broken more than a few times by friends, family and foes.
Haven’t we all?
A few days ago while in prayer an amazing man crossed my mind, this man’s name was Steven. Steven’s story was depicted in the book of Acts in the Bible.
I highly encourage you to read the full story for yourself, but for the sake of this blog, I’ll give you a quick synopsis. Sometime after Jesus ascended to heaven, there was a group of believers who were forming the first churches to ever exist. Steven was one of the founding members of the church.
In a moment of pure boldness, fueled by the Holy Spirit, he stood up in a crowd of non-believers and openly opposed and informed them of their error. Naturally, this caused the crowd to become very angry, and as a result, they collectively decided to murder Steven in cold blood.
It is arguably one of the most horrific scenes in the Bible, but also one of the most beautiful. Here’s why. As Steven was being stoned to death he prayed and he asked God not to hold his blatant murder against those who were killing him. Yes, you read that correctly. The only other person the Bible records doing this was Jesus, Himself.
It could be argued that Jesus had supernatural abilities to forgive, because He is God. But what about Steven, who was fully human? Every time that I think of that story, I am in awe of how powerful God‘s presence must have been in his life. This awe, however, gives way to a more pressing question.
What is my excuse?
Friend, what is yours?
If you’re reading this, I’d beg to argue that you are not in the same position as Steven or Jesus (thank God).
In that case, what is hindering us from fully forgiving?
I can give you an entire epistle about how forgiveness is poison to self but I believe that most of us already know that.
Perhaps you were wronged and you know that your anger is justified. Perhaps the offense was done intentionally. Or maybe the person who hurt you was the closest person to you in the world and they should have known better. It hurts, I know, and I am so sorry for all of the pain you’ve endured at the hands of those who were careless with your heart, and those who simply did not know better.
But here’s what I have learned…
People are just people. Some are confused, many are hurt, all are flawed. Let’s take a look at something Jesus said that is vital in Luke 23:24,
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they’re doing.“
This statement suggests that sometimes in our ignorance we unknowingly and unintentionally inflict pain on others. On the other hand, we may be aware of the pain we cause, but not how long or deep the effects will last.
Inevitably, in this life we will be hurt by others. People will offend us, but forgiveness is possible. Moreover, forgiveness is necessary. Friend, we must learn to let go. Jesus traded places with us, and died for what He did not deserve. He died for us, and while He was dying at the hands of the very people He was trying to save, He graciously asked God to forgive us.
So what is our excuse?
We have none.
Realizing the mercy that God has extended towards us should prompt us to extend that same mercy to others. Forgive them, because they didn’t know better. Forgive them, because it is the key to your own freedom. Forgive them, because Jesus forgave you.
As we walk with Christ, all roads must lead to forgiveness. Beloved, it’s finally time to let it go.
