1ST WORD: THE FULLNESS OF FORGIVENESS.

BIBLE PORTION:
Luke 23:32-33

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION:
Luke 23:34

INTRODUCTION:
Forgiveness is the fundamental principle of Christianity. It is easy to hurt others, but it is hard to ask for forgiveness. We often apologize reluctantly. In Tamil culture, there is a saying that "apologizing makes us human, but forgiving makes us great." Jesus Christ exemplified this by forgiving others, making him a truly great human being.

Throughout our lives, we have all made numerous mistakes. As children, our parents and teachers were quick to forgive us. Spouses have forgiven each other, and God has forgiven our sins. Do we extend the same grace to others? Forgiveness is essential for a ideal life.

Jesus Christ's first words on the cross were a plea for forgiveness, directed not towards specific individuals like the Jewish religious leaders, Roman rulers, or soldiers, but rather for all those involved in his crucifixion. Even though they were aware of their actions on an intellectual level, the Jewish religious leaders viewed Jesus as a threat, Pilate saw him as a troublemaker challenging Roman authority, and the soldiers saw him simply as a criminal. Despite everyone knowing what they had done, Jesus forgave them all, showing spiritual ignorance on their part.

Though, everyone has the ability to forgive, we may not always recognize or fully understand it. Jesus Christ's act of forgiveness on the cross exemplifies the ultimate form of forgiveness.

1.COMPLETED BY ACTION:
Every word or concept is only truly finished when put into practice. Jesus Christ exemplified this when he demonstrated forgiveness by saying, "Father, forgive them," as he had instructed his disciples to do. Jesus Christ frequently spoke about the importance of forgiveness throughout his time preaching. One of the key teachings on this topic can be found in Matthew 5:44, where he instructs his followers to pray for those who mistreat them. This concept was ultimately realized when Jesus forgave his enemies while dying on the cross.

Even the forefathers of our Tamil culture have emphasized the same point. Thiruvalluvar expreses it in a poem:

"Iṉṉā ceytārai oṟuttal avar nāṇa naṉṉayam ceytuviṭal.

One way to punish those who have wronged us is by showing them kindness to make them feel ashamed. Jesus Christ demonstrated this on the cross by forgiving those who had harmed him and exemplifying the power of forgiveness.

2.COMPLETED BY FOLLOWING:
Forgiveness originates from God. While forgiveness existed in the Old Testament, it had limitations. For example, God forgave Adam and Eve for their sins, but there were also consequences. The Old Testament adhered to the principle of "an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth," meaning forgiveness was limited to a specific scope.

Even the servants of God were reluctant to forgive. Jonah, the prophet, did not forgive the people of Nineveh. The 42 boys were attacked by she-bears because they mocked Elisha the prophet for being bald. Even the children was not forgiven.

Jesus Christ pleads with God to forgive all those who caused him to suffer, and his first promise on the cross was to offer complete forgiveness. Just as Christ forgave on the cross, His followers also forgave others by following in His footsteps. The forgiveness that He demonstrated did not end with Him. Those who embraced him as their spiritual guide also showed forgiveness by adhering to His example on the cross.

Stephen, the first martyr in Christianity, serves as a powerful example of forgiveness. As he was martyred, he asked for those responsible to be forgiven, saying "Do not hold this sin against them.”

CONCLUSION:
Dear fellow believers in Christ! The forgiveness that Jesus Christ granted on the cross remains relevant even in the present day. In a tragic incident in Orissa, Graham Steins and his sons Philip and Timothy were attacked and set on fire by criminals while working in the village of Manoharpur. In the face of this horrific situation, Steins' wife Mrs. Gladys displayed immense faith and strength by praying for forgiveness for those who committed this heinous act. By publicly proclaiming her forgiveness towards the perpetrators, she exemplified the teachings of Jesus Christ to forgive one’s enemies.

Are we reflecting on the words of Jesus Christ uttered on the cross annually and are we faithfully following his first command? As followers of Jesus who offered forgiveness to promote peace, do we also extend forgiveness to promote peace within our families, churches, and communities? Let's ponder and let's forgive. Amen!

©2025, I. Ananda Balakrishnan

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