Final words. Seven statements uttered by Jesus in his most trying moments from the cross. The first, a prayer to God for those conducting his own crucifixion. Today (I wrote this on Wednesday) as I was riding to work and listening to the news, they shared the story of two cops sentenced to twenty years for beating and shooting two black men. The acts were atrocious, the sentiment behind them abhorrent. What caught the news’ attention was this: one of the cops apologized at his sentencing and one of the black men forgave him.

Forgiveness is newsworthy.

We are most like beasts when we kill.
We are most like men when we judge.
We are most like God when we forgive.

william arthur ward

Jesus knew that those executing him did not know who he was. And as a result, they did not know what they were doing. They were crucifying the creator! Mocking their maker. Casting lots for the clothes of the one who provided the very air they breathed and their own ability to clothe themselves.

They didn’t know.

Jesus’ words raise two questions for us: Can we ask God to forgive someone who is unknowingly hurting us. (or even knowingly). Can we forgive like Jesus?

Lisa TerKeurst, in her book Forgiving what You Can’t Forget, writes:

Staying here, blaming them, and forever defining your life by what they did will only increase the pain. Worse, it will keep projecting out onto others. The more our pain consumes us, the more it will control us. And sadly, it’s those who least deserve to be hurt whom our unresolved pain will hurt the most.

Who do you need to forgive? What hurt are you holding onto that is squeezing the life out of you? Are you willing to ask the Father to forgive them for hurting you? And then leave it with him?

Jesus was. And still is.