Forgiving Our Enemies

Forgiving our enemies is one of the most difficult things to do as a Christian. Jesus made a point to clearly explain why we need to forgive. Jesus says, in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭46‬, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

When we forgive our enemies, we are in alignment with our Holy Father in heaven. While on earth, Jesus’ words and actions were always in alignment with The Father. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we are made to be sons and daughters of the Most High. We are to follow the example of Christ, through the power of His Holy Spirit in us. Jesus modeled forgiveness of His enemies while He was on the cross. In spite of the soldiers mocking and tormenting Him on the cross, Jesus extended forgiveness to them. Luke 23:34 says, ‘Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”’ The soldiers did not ask for forgiveness. They probably were not even aware that Jesus uttered those words. But Jesus had to remain true to who He was, the sinless Son of God. He could not harbor bitterness and resentment in His heart because that is sin. Jesus promised to send His Holy Spirit after He ascended to Heaven, in order for us to have the power to do what He did, forgive. We have been given the Spirit of sonship, to not only act like a child of God but to be a child of God. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit to forgive my enemies. This kind of forgiveness does not come from my carnal flesh. It can only come from You. Thank you Jesus for filling me with Your mercy and unconditional love.