Tuesday, August 1 Father, forgive them.​—Luke 23:34.

[Áine]

Tuesday, August 1

Father, forgive them.—Luke 23:34.

 

Jesus was likely referring to the Roman soldiers who drove the nails through his hands and feet. Jesus refused to allow the injustices he had suffered to make him bitter and resentful. (1 Pet. 2:23) Like Jesus, we need to be willing to forgive others. (Col. 3:13) Some, including relatives, may oppose us because they do not understand our beliefs and our way of life. They may lie about us, humiliate us in front of others, destroy our literature, or even threaten to cause us physical harm. Rather than harboring resentment, we can ask Jehovah to open the eyes of those who oppose us so that they may one day see the truth. (Matt. 5:44, 45) At times, we may find it hard to forgive, especially if we have experienced gross injustices. But if we allow bitterness and resentment to take root in our heart, we hurt ourselves. (Ps. 37:8) When we decide to forgive, we are choosing not to let negative experiences make us bitter.—Eph. 4:31, 32. w21.048-9 ¶3-4