forgave the unforgiveable

Is there anything harder than forgiving someone who doesn’t deserve it? It is perhaps one of the most difficult parts of the Christian life—forgiving those who wrong us, even those who show no remorse.

Jesus prayed from the cross, but probably not the prayer we would expect. He didn’t say, “Father, may this pass quickly,” or “Show these people how evil they are being to execute the Son of God.” He prayed instead for their forgiveness.

They were literally sharing out His clothes for themselves in front of Him. There was no remorse, no regret, no shame. Humiliated, in pain and alone, Jesus still looked on His enemies with compassion.

Forgiving others isn’t easy. But, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, it really is possible. When we forgive others, we are extending the forgiveness of Jesus Himself, the very forgiveness we have received. Rather than holding people accountable to us, we release them instead to Jesus.

And it all begins in prayer. Forgiveness comes from our Father’s heart—so let’s come near, even in our most painful moments, just as Jesus did, to draw on His infinite well of grace and love.