Forgiving the Unforgivable

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots (Luke 23:32).

C.S. Lewis spoke with a precious honesty when he said, “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive, as we had during the war. And then, to mention the subject at all is to be greeted with howls of anger.” Forgiveness is often difficult. But there are some times when forgiveness seems all but impossible….even unthinkable. Are there ever instances when we are justified in withholding forgiveness out of concern for justice? If there are we can’t think of any. Remember, forgiveness is only possible because justice has already been met at the cross. No one gets away with anything. Every sin is paid for. Every sin brings the full and undiluted wrath of God.

Nothing illustrates this better than the first words that came from Jesus’ lips once he had been nailed to the cross. Father, forgive these people. The Jewish leaders who contrived and forced his conviction and the Romans who carried out the actual death sentence were guilty of the most heinous crime a person could ever be charged with—the murder of God’s Son. If ever there was an act that could justly be said to be unforgivable, that was it. But when Jesus said if you are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you… he meant it. Even to the point of asking forgiveness of the very people who hurt us in undeniably evil ways.

Forgiving a person for rape, abuse, or murder is the most costly and difficult act that God could give us to do. Yet, if we take our Lord’s words seriously, that forgiveness is also the greatest and clearest act of love one person can show another. Such a living out of Jesus’ command to love our enemies is one of the most undeniable proofs that as Christians we share in his divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

As there is no sin that God will not forgive us of if we repent, there is no sin done to us that God will not help us to truly forgive. If you are carrying the hurt of a sin that you feel is unforgivable, make the time to take that hurt to God and ask Him to help you make a plan for moving toward forgiveness. Ask one or more people you trust to be praying with you about it as well. This will be difficult, and the road may be long, but coming to the place where you can forgive will be one of the most life giving things God can bring to your soul.

Prayer

Dear Father, Your love goes deeper than I ever thought it could go. Even to the darkest and vilest places in my heart, Your love is willing to go and forgive. Help me to trust that Your Spirit which dwells in me can enable me to forgive all things in all people, even things I want to believe are unforgivable. May Your cleansing love flow unhindered from my heart today, even towards my enemies. In Jesus name I pray, amen.