"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Gospel of Luke 23:34

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

Gospel of Luke 23:34

There are many hurts in this world, which may demand forgiveness beyond human comprehension, understanding, rationalization, and ability. Only by God's mercy and love, one can give the charity of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a charity and it flows from the mercy of God, as it demands the strength, which comes from the fellowship of Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is a medicine which heals the wounded heart from which it originates and deliver the person who receives it. Forgiveness liberates the souls on both sides. However, many times, or  mostly all the times it is not humanly possible to forgive, but just to lift hands towards heaven with complete trust in God.

Hoarding of un - forgiveness erodes the offended or victim soul more than the offender. It is a burden to carry all along the one's perspectives of life. It translates in every aspect of one's life with its sinful nature of hate, fear etc.... It can not only affect the person who harbors it but also it can negatively affect the family of the person who has un- forgiveness attitude. It can become an unbearable pain or a sinful roots or a curse that could take hold of a dwelling. Un - forgiveness related to small or big matters has unwanted attraction to the devil in that person's life, where the initial innocent victim tend to become a constant offender and doer of sins from vengeance, which comes from un-forgiveness such as anger, arrogance, vengeance pride etc..., Un-forgiveness can lead to mortal sin. Many of the man made calamities in the world have roots in un-forgiveness of human actions. Unforgiveness is like a cancer or contagious and communicable disease, which need to be cured.

However, we are not left without any cure. There is one medicine which can cure the sickness of Un- forgiveness, which comes from Jesus words on the Cross,"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."  One can understand the power of this  praying by using it in the life situations. This prayer has the power to melt the heart and open the divine mercy to flow through the person. Suddenly mountain like hurdle  of unforgiveness may disappear from the site, when someone prays this prayer.Unknown perspectives of the problems in front may reveal its' true nature in a perceptible way to the human soul,when one prays this prayer. Sometime  the spiritual warfare behind the problem may be revealed to the soul by the Holy Spirit, when one prays this prayer. When soul comes to know this, it will rise above the norms to forgive the person who offended it with great mercy. The soul which is in tune with Jesus words will gain power to sow continued love in the place of hatred in more powerful ways trusting God's will. Forgiveness is an holy exercise, it need to be practiced every minute and every hour of one's life, which requires divine assistance. Turning the situation or forgiveness in God's hands is the key to forgive.   A quick uplift of the unbearable burdens which comes from the anger and unforgiveness occurs when one uses this prayer and applies it to the life situation. A good confession makes the forgiveness complete with blessing of God's mercy and graces.


Jesus words on the cross are very popular and they have attracted many philosophers, writers,thinkers, leaders, and even common people. In the face of trials, in the vicinity of pains, in the hands of humiliation, in the midst of rejection, in encountering disappointment, in facing frustration, in the fist of merciless tortures, in the pits of agony Jesus the Savior spoke the above verse.

This verse contains his prayer to heavenly father. It denotes a plea to the Father. It indicates an appeal on behalf of people who hurt Him. It speaks of volumes of advocacy on behalf of humanity to the Father.

This verse also indicates the deep wounds inflicted upon Jesus in His heart, mind, soul, and body. The verse also denotes the anticipated vengenceful wrath of God towards humanity. It is a prayer of anticipatory bail for humanity.

This prayer contains the Savior's compassion towards humanity. When He stated, "for they do not know what they do" He plead to the Father giving excuse for human behaviors.

This prayer sets a high call for all those who follow Christ  Forgiving those who hurt is a high call of life. Praying for those who hurt is even greater call of Christianity.

While forgiving and praying for people who inflicted the hurt are the mandatory call of Christianity, understanding forgiveness is a first step.

The term "Forgiveness" contains an action, which pushes the past far away and give a new beginning  give new chance, giving new hope, giving excuse, giving peace to others.

Christians forgiveness goes beyond earthly definition of forgiveness. As Christians, we are called to forgive, because we are forgiven of all our sins through the passion and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christian forgiveness is an act of human combined with divine grace looking up to heaven considering we all have fallen short of glory and every one is at the mercy of God. This concept is directly articulated in Our Lord's prayer, " forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us". Forgiveness is a credit or a measure upon which our own mishaps will be forgiven.So Christian life primary truth is forgiveness.

Christian forgiveness not an action which spring out of fear but love. No love for human can give forgiveness. Human love contains possessiveness and lack forgiveness, which is it nature. Where as forgiveness comes from the acknowledgement of relationship with Heavenly Father and understanding eternal love, riches and glory.
Human relationship demands love the heavenly love demands forgiveness. Forgiveness originates from the understanding of God's love for human. When we think of God's love for every human which is common for good and bad, even stronger for those who stray away. Understanding this truth will highlight the reverence and significance of every individual in the eyes of God. It is my understanding, to have relationship with God the primary criteria is forgiveness of others. Sometimes, we wonder and reflect the mercy of God thinking loving God, who loves us so much would not like for us to undergo the struggles we undergo.Very many times those thoughts come across all the time we are in a giving side of forgiveness realizing Our Lord's Crucifixion  There is neither a magic fix to any situation nor we will be free of pains and sufferings, but one thing we can do is to choose to forgive.

Forgiveness opens the mercy filled heart of God. It is also my understanding that the Lord who sees the heart will never let the evil motives win over his faithfuls. He defends and preserve His servants very openly, not just in the next world, but also in this world.


Prayer:
My father in heaven, I come to you today with praise and thanksgiving. I bring all the matters that concern me today. Help me to forgive others by thy grace. Anoint me with the Spirit of knowledge, understanding and discerning so that I may bring your forgiving presence in me and around me. In your most beloved Son Jesus Name I pray Amen!