Father, Forgive Them: For they know not what they do.

Luke 23:34

Jesus said many wonderful things, but rarely anything more wonderful than, "Father, forgive them for they now not what they do". Christian forgiveness is an amazing thing. It is a lovely thing, and often rare.

Whenever one man sins against you, you may respond with mixed reactions. Sometimes, you rebuke him. Or you may criticize him. Or you may fight back. At times you may even say: "Kakarmahin rin yan (He'll suffer karma in time)."

With all those things running in your mind, have you ever tried Praying for those who sinned against you? Have you ever tried saying "Father, Forgive Them: For they know not what they do?" When someone sinned against you, have you ever tried saying: Father, please help those who fall short in your glory that they may be lifted up. Please have mercy on them and may you open their eyes so that they may see. Help them discern the right from wrong. Let your light shine on their path. So that they may know that by sinning against their neighbor is detestable in the eyes of God.

Have you ever remembered the elders taught you: "Let God be the judge."

May we have an everlasting patience by the hand of Christ. When it seems you can't take it anymore, pray for more patience. Keep on praying. Keep on asking more courage and perseverance. Do not give Satan an opportunity to make you sin against your neighbor. Each time you kept Satan from tempting you, it is ultimately a victory for you and God.

Like what was written, walking the path of Christ is not easy. Living a life with Christ is not easy. Because each and every day in your life you will be tempted to sin. When you are weak, trust in Him. For He will rescue you from all evil (Ex 13:13) Just stay calm.

Keep on praying for strength. Forgive your neighbors as Jesus forgave us. It is not by grudge that we bring justice to us. It is by doing good that we are justified, through faith... on he who believes.

Once I was told, "When ye are stoned, reply the harm with bread." I used to think: "What? Why should I not stone him back? So that he may know that whatever he do unto others, that too, will be done to him."

Now I finally realized... that it is not the bread by which we eatover the table.The bread, is the bread of life. Jesus Christ. Whenever my brother throw stones to me, I throw back Jesus Christ to them. So that they may know... that He who believes in him, has an everlasting kindness. A kindness of Christ, in man. Do this, so that they may be ashamed with what they do. So that they may repent from their sins.

When the unforgiving spirit is threatening to turn our hearts to bitterness, let us hear, again, our Lord asking forgiveness for those who crucified him. Others may have in their hearts the unforgiving spirit, others may sin in ignorance; but we know better. We are Christ's and with his help we must forgive as he forgave.

Grace and Peace be with you.

AMEN!