“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34, NIV

Sometime back, I read an article titled, ‘The Power of Forgiveness,’ which was written by a secular psychologist.  

One thing that really stood out for me was something I had never heard of – that forgiveness is a public health issue.

The author argued that extensive research had proved that forgiveness has an impact on mental health.

Indeed, I found out that forgiveness is not just a spiritual matter; it is also a medical issue.

To be brutally honest, I’ve been terribly hurt several times. I don’t think you know of anyone who has never been hurt or offended.

Indeed, some people are still carrying racking pain that was caused to them years ago, some even in childhood.

Many otherwise nice people are carrying hefty grudges, resentment and bitterness, and it is affecting their mental health. Whether they are aware of it is another matter.

The Greek word for ‘forgive’ means to ‘send away,’ ‘to release’ or to ‘let loose from.’ That implies that when you are hurt, it becomes a burden.

When you forgive someone who hurt you, you release them, as it were.

It’s like you’re letting go of a load on your back!

In other words, forgiving helps to free yourself from the control of the offender.

Not forgiving is akin to carrying a heavy burden and hoping that the offender is the one suffering for it.

In our meditation today, we reflect on the last words of our Lord Jesus while hanging on the Cross at Calvary.

Stark naked and bleeding to death after days of merciless battering, it was the ultimate state of pain and humiliation, moreover for a person who had been declared innocent by all the relevant authorities.  

How would you respond to people who cause you such pain and dishonour?

“Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing,” said Jesus as he gasped for breath.

Does the pain that was caused to you come anywhere close to the agony that Jesus suffered at the hands of those marauding goons? I highly doubt.

Jesus taught that we should forgive our offenders “70 times seven times” – implying an unlimited number of times – whether they ask for it or not (Matthew 18:21-22).

Now, if Jesus found it within His heart to forgive those who caused Him so much pain, what about you?

Jesus did not want to die while burdened by bitterness and resentment. Why should we?

Forgiveness is therapeutic, which is why it is strongly recommended by mental health experts.

When we did a short course in counseling, we were told that that a client should be urged to write forgiveness letters if the offender is no longer alive.  

It helps to relieve the person of the heavy loads that affect his/her general well-being.

That’s why Jesus taught that we should forgive our offenders “70 times seven times” – implying an unlimited number of times – whether they ask for it or not (Matthew 18:21-22).

There is no offence that is too serious to forgive, according to Jesus.

In another place, He said if we don’t forgive then we also lose the right to ask for forgiveness from God, who has forgiven us and forgotten all our iniquities.

Will you choose to obey by making a deliberate decision to forgive someone who hurt you or caused you pain?

It is never easy but go right ahead and do it; it’s for your own good, not just the other person.

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for forgiving my sins and making me your child. Give me the power and grace to release everyone who hurt me and to always be ready to forgive anyone who offends me. For the glory of your Name, Amen!