As this scene unfolds, Jesus is surrounded by weeping women, by those who have tortured him and fixed him to the cross, and by the thieves. He is suffering incredible pain and anguish, but what is on his mind? Forgiveness. “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.” I wonder how often we are harmed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Maybe someone has said a careless word without realizing it’s a sensitive spot. Maybe they haven’t included you, believing you wouldn’t want to join in. Maybe they have gotten busy and haven’t checked in on you when you’re going through a hard time.
How willing are you to forgive someone who doesn’t know what they’ve done? Do you hold in the slight and let it grow into resentment? Or do you share your feelings? How practiced are you at sharing your feelings calmly without adding to the pain?
In prayer, ask God for a forgiving heart, for a willingness to consider that most hurts against us aren’t intentional, and for the courage to share your feelings when it would be helpful.