Forgive

 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Luke 23:34 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.23.34.ESV

Father God wonderfully answered His beloved Son's prayer. The centurion who led the death squad who executed Jesus came to recognise that 'this is the Son of God'. A criminal crucified with Him repented of his insults.

The criminal said 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom'. Jesus replied, 'today you will be with me in paradise'. Only through faith in Jesus can we be forgiven.

Jesus was willing for His murderous executioners to be forgiven. He was willing for His insulting fellow convict to be forgiven. Of course, Christ was 'convicted' of crimes of which He was innocent: treason against Caesar and blasphemy against God.

If Jesus really was blasphemous against God, why did His heavenly Father answer His prayer to forgive His haters? Ultimately, Jesus was vindicated on the third day when God raised Him from the dead.

'Heavenly Father, may we forgive our haters, as Christ did as He died. Thank You that He lives forevermore, in His mighty name we pray, amen'

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