“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34

Jesus could have called 72,000 angels to rescue Him from the Cross—but He did not. Instead, He prayed for the very people who nailed Him there. That might seem like weakness, but it was actually powerful and purposeful.

We are not called to forgive only the people who occasionally say the wrong thing or treat us rudely. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) That is not the world’s way, but it is the Kingdom way!

Stephen understood this. As his enemies stoned him, he forgave them when it would have been natural to curse them. He prayed, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (Acts 7:60) One of those enemies was Saul—who later had an encounter with Jesus and became the Apostle Paul. Could it be that your forgiving someone could be the very thing that opens a door for their transformation?

Holding onto unforgiveness always makes a mess in your life. Hebrews says it becomes a root of bitterness that “causes trouble and defiles many.” (Hebrews 12:15). You may think it is buried, but it spreads under the surface, messing with your peace, your prayers, and your relationships.

Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a decision. And every time you pray, remember that in Mark 11:25, Jesus reminds you to check your heart. If you are holding anything against anyone, let it go! When you do, you are not excusing what they did—you are cutting the root before it ruins the fruit.

Finally, do not let yesterday’s wounds rob you of peace today. Forgive, bless, and release. Then watch God bring you freedom and fruitfulness in the very place you were afflicted (Genesis 41:52).