As we approach Easter,
my thoughts have lingered
on one of the last moments
of the Savior’s mortal ministry.
As He was being crucified on Calvary’s cross.
The Redeemer of all mankind
uttered these timeless words:
“Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do.”
How is it possible
in His time of excruciating agony
for Jesus Christ to ask his Father
to forgive His tormentors?
And yet, on the cross, Jesus did exactly that.
He practiced what He had preached.
He taught us to love our enemies,
to do good to those who hate us,
and even to pray for those
who despitefully use us.
I know from firsthand experience
that forgiveness blesses both
the forgiver and the forgiven.
Three children born to Ruth and Jimmy Hatfield
suffered from congenital heart disease.
They sought my help as a heart surgeon
for their two daughters,
Laural Ann and Gay Lynn.
I was heartbroken when both girls died
after I had operated on them.
Understandably, Ruth and Jimmy were shattered.
And they blamed me.
For almost six decades,
I was haunted by this situation.
I grieved for the Hatfields
and tried to establish contact with them
several times, but without success.
A few years ago, I reached out again
to the Hatfield family.
Much to my relief,
this time, they were willing to meet with me.
On bended knee,
I poured out my heart to them.
The Spirit of the Lord prevailed.
They forgave me.
And it proved to be a turning point
in their lives and in mine.
Now I treasure the friendship
I share with the Hatfields.
Just think about their courage and humility!
They were willing to let go of old hurts.
The Spirit of forgiveness released them
from burdens they had carried
for nearly 60 years.
There is nothing easy about forgiving those
who have disappointed us,
hurt us,
cheated us,
or spread false rumors about us.
However,
not forgiving others is poison for us.
Grudges weigh us down.
Angry disagreements separate us.
Animosity and hatred can divide families.
And yet, the Savior’s counsel is clear:
...“if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you...”
Forgiving others does not mean condoning
sinful or criminal behavior.
And it certainly does not mean
staying in abusive situations.
But, when we choose to forgive others,
we allow the Lord to remove
the poison from our souls.
We permit him to soothe
and soften our hearts,
so we can see others,
especially those who have wronged us,
as children of God,
and as our brothers and sisters.
Every Easter, we rejoice in the Resurrection
of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is the epitome of forgiveness.
My dear friends,
I invite you prayerfully to consider
if there is someone whom you should forgive.
Will you free yourself from a grudge
you may be harboring?
I can think of no more fitting way
to honor the Lord Jesus Christ this Easter.
I promise that as you forgive,
the Savior will relieve you of anger,
resentment and pain.
The Prince of Peace will bring you peace.
Jesus Christ is risen!
He loves you!
And because of Him,
you can experience the joy and miracle
of forgiveness.