Jesus prayed to his Father about the two criminals on the cross each side of his as recorded in Luke 23:34 “And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” They were criminals who had done something wrong, but Jesus asked his Father to forgive them anyway, because they “know not what they do.”
Why should we forgive others who hurt or betrayed us? Who are we to determine that we have a right to hold back forgiveness for another? If we do not forgive, God will not forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15 (AMPC):
14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.
What caused them to have a bad nature to want to do things to us? Today we talk about the ‘default’ nature of those that have yet to allow and show the love of Christ in their hearts. If we know why they did what they did, it can be easier for us to forgive them.
This program covers the following Scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): Luke 23:33-34; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 5:12; John 8:44; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 18:35; Luke 6:35; John 8:1-11; Proverbs 23:7; Jeremiah 17:9.
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