Forgiving Like Jesus: Choosing Mercy When You’ve Been Misunderstood
Have you ever been wrongly accused or deeply misunderstood?
It’s uncomfortable at best and, at worst, life-altering.
Our natural response is to explain, defend, and prove ourselves. To prove our innocence. To make sure others see that we’re not who they assume we are.
But as I reflected on Luke 23 this week—the account of Jesus’ crucifixion—I was struck by what Jesus didn’t do.
Jesus’ Radical Response
Luke 23:34 records one of the most powerful moments in all of Scripture:
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”
In that moment, Jesus—fully God and fully man—chose mercy over vindication.
He who created the world and holds all authority (John 1:3, John 5:27) was being beaten, mocked, and crucified by His own creation. He had every right to call down legions of angels to defend Himself (Matthew 26:53), yet He remained silent, offering forgiveness instead of retaliation.
Jesus’ response wasn’t weakness; it was divine strength. His prayer from the cross revealed His heart for humanity, a heart that intercedes even for those who hurt Him.
What This Means for Us
In John 13:15, Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” If He could forgive in the midst of betrayal and agony, what does that mean for us when we’re misunderstood or falsely accused?
Forgiveness isn’t natural. It’s supernatural. It requires surrender, the laying down of our right to be right. It means choosing trust in God’s justice over our own desire for vindication.
Modern Examples of Forgiveness
I think about faith-filled figures like Corrie ten Boom and Louie Zamperini, both of whom endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of others. Corrie forgave the very guards who imprisoned her in a Nazi concentration camp. Louie forgave his captors from World War II and even met with them years later to share the gospel.
Their stories reflect the same radical forgiveness that Jesus displayed on the cross. If they could extend such mercy, so can we—through the power of the Spirit at work within us (Ephesians 3:16–17).
Living the Way of Mercy
Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the pain didn’t happen. It means entrusting that pain to God, who sees and knows all (1 Samuel 16:7). His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9).
When we forgive, we release ourselves from bitterness and step into the freedom of grace.
Jesus’ example teaches us that forgiveness is not just a moral duty—it’s a spiritual victory.
A Prayer for a Forgiving Heart
Jesus, thank You for setting such a merciful example of forgiveness in the face of misunderstanding and accusation. When I face these things in my own life, help me to remember Your sacrifice and Your commitment to forgiveness, even as You hung on the cross. Make me more like You. In Your mighty name, amen.
Dive Deeper
1 Samuel 16:7
Isaiah 55:8–9
Matthew 6:14–15
Matthew 18:21–22
Luke 5:22
Meet the Author
Lauren Carter
Lauren is a lifelong lover and follower of Jesus with a passion to point people to Him in all she does. Lauren lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, their two boys, and new baby girl.
As a church women’s ministry leader turned stay-at-home-mom with a biblical studies degree, Lauren loves to encourage women to walk closely with the Lord and boldly in the ministries He’s given them - inside their own homes and beyond!
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