Forgive Them, Because They Do Not Know What They Are Doing

 


I am writing this post immediately after writing the post about giving grace. For whatever reason, God brought me back to the end of the book of Luke again this morning. Of course, the last few chapters of any of the four Gospels is really what the entire Bible is all about, so I guess this is a good place to return to.

I have stated before that I am not trying to interpret these verses in context; instead, I am writing what each day's verse means to me at the time. First of all, I will never be able to understand the power that was required for Jesus to call out to God to forgive the people who were killing him. I have a hard enough time forgiving some simple misunderstandings, even after a few days, much less forgiving the people who are actively tormenting you to a gruesome death.

Secondly, I find something almost funny in the phrasing that "they do not know what they are doing." How many times have I gone through moments in my life, making an absolute mess of things, because I don't know what I am doing?! I don't even want to think of what my life would have looked like if I didn't mess things up; however, I also know that my life wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for those mistakes.

Romans 8:28 tells me that God works it all out for my good, and that means not just the bad things that happen to me, but also the stupid mistakes I have made (and continue to make). God knows better than anyone that, often, I do not know what I am doing. If I am going to be really honest, I would have to admit that MOST days, I spend at least part of the day being clueless. I will even go one step further and say that, on those days when I think I have it all together, I am most likely making a mess of things. Plain and simple, I know that the only good in my life comes from God, period.

I know that Jesus was, at that moment, referring to the people involved in his crucifixion when he asked the Father to forgive them, but I feel fairly certain that I can include myself as one of those who do not know what they are doing. How thankful I am to know that Jesus meant me, as well, when He asked God to forgive.

Heavenly Father, only you can count the number of times that you have forgiven me and corrected my mistakes when I have not known what I am doing. Thank you for straightening out my life and giving me a life worth living. In the merciful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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