Father Forgivev

It is tempting to hang on to the anger or bitterness that can grow out of a sense of having been ill-treated. That is why Paul wrote, “Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Colossians 3:13). It is true that people are frequently caused to endure extremely difficult circumstances through no fault of their own.

An Olympic gold medalist said she would “never forgive” the woman who beat her at the Olympic Games but was later disqualified for drug use. It isn’t uncommon to hear people say during or after a murder trial that they’ll never forgive the guilty party for the crime that was committed. It isn’t difficult to understand the hurt and pain that drives such emotions. But bitterness toward another person is never justified.

Holding on to hurt and pain is unhealthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It has often been said that choosing not to forgive is like taking a poison pill and waiting for the other person to die. Paul did not say that forgiveness is appropriate only when it seems justifiable. He said we “must” forgive, as Jesus has forgiven us. Forgiveness is most powerful in the life of the one doing the forgiving.

To choose not to forgive but to instead harbor bitterness is to allow the person who hurt you to have a measure of control over your life.

Long after that person has forgotten what was done, he or she still inhabits your thoughts and causes pain in your life. After the cathedral in Coventry, England, was bombed during World War II, cathedral provost Richard Howard wrote the words “Father Forgive” on the wall behind the altar in what was left standing of the church. A city had just been bombed by an enemy. Hundreds of people had been killed. And Richard Howard knew just what to pray. The greatest Forgiver of all is Jesus. In Luke 23:34, as He was hanging on a cross enduring indescribable pain, He prayed, saying, “Father, forgive them.” Today, He extends forgiveness to all, forgiveness no one deserves.*