When It's Time To Move On

When you read about Jesus’ life, ministry, and death, there are a lot of impressive moments. If I had to pick one that really sums it all up, though, I think it would be something he said while hanging on the cross between two criminals. He looked out at the people who had betrayed him and who now mocked him, and he prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

I don’t think that would have been my prayer. I would have said, “Father, you know what to do. Make sure they get what they deserve.” At least that’s what I would have thought if I had just been brutally beaten by other humans. Somehow Jesus, in his moment of greatest agony, was able to forgive. He relinquished his right to revenge, and he chose the path of love.

There will be times when you and I have to do the same thing with complicated people. We might need to let some things go, to overlook some things, to refuse to demand revenge, to take the path of love.

This is something you do for you. Bitterness doesn’t hold other people captive; it holds you captive. Likewise, forgiveness doesn’t free them; it frees you. Forgiveness is a choice that changes you even when they don’t change.

One time Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive someone who had sinned against him. It sure seems like he had a specific guy in mind, because he asked if seven times was enough. Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). He was reminding Peter that even if the unnamed nemesis never changed, Peter had autonomy. He had power over his own life, and if he chose ongoing forgiveness, he was choosing ongoing freedom.

Complicated people do complicated things. I wish that wasn’t the case, but we all know it is. Frankly, we’ve done some complicated things too. We don’t have to keep an exhaustive, running list of all the people we hate and the hurts they’ve caused. Like Jesus, we can choose to release our “right” to revenge. God is the judge anyway, not us. That’s why Jesus prayed to God rather than calling down fire and brimstone from heaven. He didn’t have to take revenge: it was in God’s hands.

With regard to the complicated people in your world, do you need to release any hurt today? Do you need to let a heart of love replace a desire for revenge? If so, give the painful things to God. He is the only one capable of carrying them, and you can trust him with your pain. The path of forgiveness is the path of freedom, healing, and peace.

Prayer

God, you’ve seen the pain and injustice I’ve experienced. I put those things in your hands today. I release bitterness and my need for revenge. Help me forgive those who hurt me, just as you have forgiven me. Heal my heart and grant me freedom. In the name of Jesus, amen.