Forgive, for they do not know what they are doing
"Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing" (NLT) Luke 23:34a
The Son of Man, Christ Jesus was the perfect examplar of forgiveness here on earth. A man in pain and anguish, suffering injustice and public ridicule, will rather pray to die with his enemies (Judges 16:28). However, Christ Jesus showed us a more excellent way (Luke 23:34a). We may be able to forgive people for their faults and weakness that led to the loss of something we truly cherish. But can we sincerely forgive someone who wants to take our lives from us? For most of us, we would rather do what Satan told the Lord: “Satan replied to the Lord, ‘Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!” (Job 2:4-5, NLT). That is a perfect description of the human heart by the devil: cursing our enemy. For Christ Jesus to have blessed his enemies, He is the only One who is big enough to change the condition of our heart.
This change was seen in Stephen who blessed his enemies even at the point of death: “He fell to his knees, shouting, ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’ And with that, he died” (Acts 7:59-60). Samson wished his enemies die with him. Stephen wished his enemies forgiven. The difference between these men is the encounter with Christ Jesus. May Christ Jesus change the condition of your heart now so that you may be able to show the world the difference. I wish you Romans 12:14. Amen!