Father, Forgive Them

On the cross, among Jesus’ last words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around that.

Father, forgive the religious leaders. Father, forgive the Roman soldiers. Father, forgive the crowds who called for my death. Father, forgive those who denied me and betrayed me. Father, forgive, forgive, forgive…

Over the years, I’ve heard people’s stories about being abused by a relative. A friend once told me about a business partner who stole tens of thousands of dollars from him. I think about another friend whose wife left him for someone else after only a year of marriage.

So many of us carry so much pain. And there’s no doubt about it—the pain is real. Maybe you know what it’s like to carry hurt and anger. Maybe you know what it’s like to not want to forgive. The need for revenge is a powerful emotion. And yet, the truth is, if we carry hatred, anger, and bitterness, who does it ultimately hurt?

Over the years, I’ve become more and more aware that forgiveness is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. Not condoning. Not necessarily even forgetting or reconciling. But forgiving—letting go. It is a way of setting ourselves free.

Franciscan theologian Richard Rohr puts it this way:

“An eagerness and readiness to love is the ultimate freedom and future. When you’ve been included in the spaciousness of divine love, there is just no room for vengeance, rash judgment, or calls for retribution. We certainly see none of this small-mindedness in the Risen Christ after his own rejection, betrayal, and cruel death; we don’t see it even from his inner circle, or in the whole New Testament. I really cannot imagine a larger and more spacious way to live. … Forgiveness might just be the very best description of what God’s goodness engenders in humanity.”

Let us pray: I pray today, O God, for those who are struggling to forgive. I pray for your healing grace to rest upon them. By the power of your Spirit, help them to let go and be set free. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.