Forgiveness In The Midst Of Pain

While Jesus was being crucified on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) Jesus was asking God to forgive the very people who had mocked Him, spit on Him, beat Him, yanked out His beard, stripped Him naked, put a crown of thorns on His head, nailed Him to a cross and were gambling to see who will keep His clothes. 

If anyone had the right to hold on to a grudge, it is Jesus, an innocent man who never sinned (2 Cor. 5:21). He said to, "Love your enemies" (Matt. 5:44), and He exemplified His preaching by pleading for His assailants. 

In our own strength, true forgiveness is impossible. But "all who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God." (1 John 4:15) God is love, and with Him dwelling within our hearts, we are given HIS ability to love. Through HIM, we can forgive them that hate us, that parent who abandoned us, that significant other who walked out on us after the baby was born, that person who murdered our loved-one, that person who molested us as a child, etc. If anyone understands executing forgiveness in the midst of pain, it is Jesus. Turn to Him for strength, and He will help you (Philipp. 4:13). God bless...