Read : Luke 23:32-43
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” – Luke 23:34
Perhaps someone has offended you deeply, and you are having difficulty forgiving that person. Let me help you. There is the need to analyse the offender very well, that is, the person who did whatever to hurt you. Luke 23:34 gives an example of Jesus analysing the offenders. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…”
Jesus was not just forgiving them Himself. He had gone a step further, and was asking God to forgive them for the evil that they had done to Him. The Son of God explained why they needed to be forgiven: because “they know not what they do”. If you analyse the offender, you will realize that although he is doing evil, he may not be fully aware of the implications of his action. As soon as you analyse it this way, it will help you relate well with whoever offends you.
Let me share with you a personal experience. Once, one of my junior pastors was extremely rude to me. This pastor spoke in a way he should never have spoken – least of all, to me. As he shouted and threatened me, I looked at him and I said to myself, “I am very sure he doesn’t know what he is doing. Maybe he is confused or disturbed.”
The excuse I made for him that he did not know what he was doing, helped me to relate with him. Learn to make excuses for people. Jesus made excuses for His murderers! Perhaps your offender is sick, ignorant or confused. You will find that you have the capacity within you to forgive.