When I was seeking God at Youth With A Mission in 2021 and writing about forgiveness, this scripture echoed in my heart. Jesus, nailed to a cross and enduring unimaginable suffering, chose to forgive those who persecuted Him. The crowd, blinded by ignorance and fear, chose offense over compassion, rejecting the very One who came to save them.
This verse became a turning point in my own life. It helped me release the offense I carried toward my parents. It felt as though scales had fallen from my eyes, allowing me to see their struggles and the circumstances of their young lives with greater clarity. That newfound understanding birthed compassion within me, as I realized they genuinely didn’t understand the depth of the hurt they caused.
I’ve carried this scripture with me, especially in my work with youth. Whenever a child or youth had lashed out with profanity or anger, it was rarely about me — it was a reaction to their own pain, a defense mechanism forged in hardship. Most of the time, their outbursts happened simply because I was close enough in proximity to witness their brokenness. Young people seldom fully grasp the reasons why they act the way they do; they are merely responding to the wounded parts of themselves that haven’t healed.
This same principle extends to adults. People act out of hurt, speaking or behaving in ways that inflict pain on others without truly understanding the impact. It’s in remembering Jesus’ words that reminds me to respond to those people from a place of love and wisdom, not emotion. Following Christ’s example challenges me to pause, extend grace, and choose forgiveness — even when it’s difficult.
Forgiveness isn’t about excusing harmful behavior; it’s about freeing our hearts from the weight of offense. It’s choosing to reflect the heart of Christ, who loves us even in our brokenness. And when offense tries to take root, I remind myself of His example — choosing to walk in love, humility, and the freedom that forgiveness brings.
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