Dearest friends, it is quite obvious that Jesus’ teaching on *FORGIVENESS* does not seem to appeal to many Christians, both Pastors and their members.
In fact, since I made the post on forgiveness yesterday (September 17, 2023) which I entitled: *‘Hatred among Christians’*, a number of persons have sent in their comments and questions. But permit me to share this very one with you, dearest friends; of course, with the permission of the person that sent it to me. Let me quote him verbatim:
👉🏼 *“Fr, how can I just pray for those who killed my father, my mother and even my 3 family members. Fr am sorry to say this but I was disturbed after reading your comments on today’s readings. Thanks Fr.”*
Now, this person is certainly not alone in such difficulty. There are a number of Christians who think that it is just impossible to forgive the very person that has offended them. Some have even made that unfortunate statement thus: *‘Over my DEAD BODY would I forgive him/her.’* The above statement is simply *UNCHRISTIAN🤷🏽♂️*
The truth remains that, as Christians, we have no other option than to *FORGIVE🤷🏽♂️* Without forgiveness, we can be sure that we are certainly *NOT CHRISTIANS.*
I have kept on thinking about the following and I want you to join me:
👉🏼1. What could have made Jesus to to say this at the point of his death on the Cross: *“Father, FORGIVE them, for they do not know what they are doing?* (cf. Lk 23:34).
👉🏼2. What could have made Jesus *NOT* to approve of the Apostles’ (James and John) demand to call down thunder (fire) to destroy those who opposed them? (cf. Lk 9:51-56).
👉🏼3. What could have made St. Stephen to *FORGIVE* those who were stoning him to death? (cf. Acts 7:54-60).
Indeed, you and I must always pray for the *GRACE* to always *FORGIVE* offences; for without FORGIVENESS, we would certainly not make any headway in our heavenly race.
Remain blessed🙏🏼