The Return of the Prodigal Son. This work is in the public domain.
Pre-forgiveness
But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 – NASB)
I think we all struggle, with forgiveness to one degree or another. Forgiving others, I mean.
As Christians we do finally end up forgiving those who have injured us in some way, but it is often not an easy process. It seems that each new hurt suffered causes us to go through the same struggle to forgive as the one before it. We do finally forgive those who have despitefully used or despised us, but we seem locked into a repetitive cycle.
Is this really necessary?
I think not.
Now I do not mean to imply that I am somehow on a higher plane than the rest of you. I am not. I have, however, tested and tried a way of forgiveness that has worked for me, and I pray it may even work for you. I call it pre-forgiveness.
About thirty years ago I bowed before the Lord and made a life commitment
“Dear Lord,” I prayed, “right here in this place I commit myself to forgive everyone who has done me harm in the past, anyone who is doing me harm in the present, and whoever may do me harm in the future.”
A simple enough prayer, but somehow the memory of that prayer has sustained me over the years. I think the Holy Spirit must have said “Amen!” to that prayer, for over the years I have had few struggles to forgive.
Doubtless, I will be tested on this in the future. None of us can be absolutely sure of our reaction to future ills, but I pass this on to you in the hope that God may gift you a forgiving heart.
Perhaps someone may come to you and ask forgiveness for some hurt you have sustained at their hand. You turn to them and say, “Too late. I forgave long ago – before you even thought to harm me.
Pre-forgiveness
(© Thursday 11th December 2014 – by Christopher Shennan)
But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 – NASB)
I don’t want to go through endless struggles,
To forgive someone when they do me harm.
Lord please save me from repeated battles;
Make my heart loving, forgiving and warm.
I long to put the past all behind me,
As well as all the present ills arrayed,
And in the future for all who hate me,
I plead forgiveness just as I have prayed.
Few who hurt me know quite what they’ve done;
Their eyes are blinded by old Satan’s lies.
They know not the truth of the Holy One,
Or perceive what the law of love requires.
So forgive them, Lord, is my humble prayer;
That’s all I can say for the lost out there.
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Gems of Discovery - Nuggets of Truth 
