Golden Nugget: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Daily Verse: “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” —Luke 23:34

Daily Message:
Jesus was beaten, spat upon, cut, bruised, humiliated, and nailed to wood. Yet after all that, he looked at the people who did it to him and said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

It’s possible that this is the most difficult and powerful expression of grace known to humankind.

Jesus’s personal pain and discouragement didn’t dominate his response to his circumstances. He saw beyond the atrocious things that were done to him and extended forgiveness and grace even to the people who hurt him.

Has there ever been a statement more full of grace, compassion, courage, and strength? Imagine what could happen were we to be so in tune with God’s purposes for the world that we could extend that kind of grace.

Consider This:

• Is it difficult for you to extend forgiveness to someone right now? 
• What do you think enabled Jesus to forgive like that?

Take Action:
Start a conversation about forgiveness. This could be in a small group; with your family, friends, or coworkers; or on social-media. Ask a question like, “Is there any action that can’t be forgiven?”