Father, Forgive Them
by T. L Wiens
I was assaulted two months ago. This month, I face my attacker in court. I have a lot of mixed feelings as I contemplate all that has happened in between these two events in my life.
How could someone hate me that much? The attack was unprovoked. But then I think about Jesus Christ facing the charges against Him. How could they hate Jesus Christ? They did.
How did Jesus react? He prayed for them. In Luke 23:34, we have this prayer:
“Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34 KJV).
And in this action, Jesus shows me where I need to be, what my thoughts must focus on as I sit in the courtroom facing my attacker. I will pray for the strength to love her and thank God for the opportunity to show the love of Christ by forgiving.
Tammy Wiens
Tammy lives in Saskatchewan with her husband. They have four children. She enjoys gardening, walks along the beach and being on the farm. She has a passion for her faith, studying the Bible and prayer.
She has published two books; Where a Little Rain Comes Down and Making the Bitter Sweet. A short story, “May’s First Christmas” appeared in Christmas Chaos, a collection of stories about Christmas experiences that don’t make the fronts of Christmas cards. “Careful What You Whisper” is another short story about Tammy’s experiences after breaking her back. It can be found in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Visit T. L. Wiens for more information about Tammy’s books and workshops.
It seems this trial is as much your trial as one for your attacker. I pray that you come through this trial with the heart of forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated, and that your attacker will ‘feel’ the love of Jesus in you as you seek to follow his example and love as he loves us.
Be strengthened in Him and in His mighty power.
Tammy, you are in my prayers. Forgiveness is one of the toughest aspects of following Christ. Especially, when it was unprovoked. I pray that your heart will strong and steadfast when you face this trial. God Bless You!