Jesus Christ between two thieves hangs on the cross

Golgotha (or Calvary)

Of the many places Jesus Christ walked, perhaps no steps were more painful than the ones that would take Him to the site of His Crucifixion at Golgotha (also called Calvary), a hill outside of Jerusalem’s city walls. There, fastened to a cross, He encountered people who cruelly mocked Him saying, “He saved others; let him save himself” (Luke 23:35). But Jesus chose to save us instead of Himself. He asked His Father to forgive the Roman soldiers who were crucifying Him, “for they [knew] not what they [did]” (Luke 23:34). These words are a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ suffered so that all of God’s children—even those who tormented Him—would have the chance to change and repent to find the forgiveness that comes through His atoning sacrifice.

The invitation

A woman prays at her kitchen table
Practice forgiveness to feel freedom

If Jesus Christ could forgive those who hurt Him, maybe we can find the strength to forgive the people who have hurt us. You’re invited to try an experiment. Think of someone you would like to forgive. Write them a letter forgiving them. It doesn’t have to be more than a few sentences long. That’s it. You don’t need to send it. Just write it and see how it feels.

A woman stares out of a bus window contemplating the blessings of Jesus Christ
Questions to Ponder

Why do you think Jesus Christ was able to forgive those who hurt Him?

How does it hurt us to hold onto the pain others have caused us?

What do we gain by forgiving those who have done us wrong?

Scriptures about forgiveness

Christ forgives His tormentors

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. They parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

—Luke 23:33–34

Forgive as Christ forgave

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

—Colossians 3:12–13

Forgive others multiple times

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

“And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”

—Luke 17:3–4
Jesus Christ teaches Peter to forgive seven times seven
Jesus Christ teaches Peter to forgive seven times seven

Forgive 70 times 7

Jesus explains how we are to treat our offending brethren.

Kristy Glass explains how learning about the gospel taught her of God's love for His children
Kristy Glass explains how learning about the gospel taught her of God's love for His children

Principles of Peace: Forgiveness

Kristy turned to the Savior for strength to forgive and found His promised peace. Watch her story.

Maps and depictions

Map of the old city of Jerusalem

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Jesus Christ hangs on the cross in between two thieves
Jesus Christ's body is placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea
Jesus Christ's body hangs on the cross while his mother Mary and disciples mourn at the base of the cross
Jesus Christ hangs on the cross in between two thieves
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