They Don’t Know Any Better

When Jesus was being brutally put to death on the cross, rather than seeking to destroy those who were killing Him, He prayed for them.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34.

By this prayer, Jesus has provided a basis on which we can forgive even the worst kinds of offences committed against us without harboring residues of bitterness towards the offender. That basis is that the offender really did not know better. If they really knew better they would not have done what they did. Such is the true condition of humanity – blind and ignorant. The Bible says:

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Psalms 14:2, 3.

It is for this reason that one can say: “But for the grace of God, there go I”. We should therefore be thankful to God for whatever measure of enlightenment that we have received that restrains us from being offensive and unkind towards others, while we maintain a spirit of forgiveness towards those who might offend us, in the same way that God is forgiving towards us.

As erring human beings we need to humble ourselves and be patient with each other, especially when mistakes are made. We often come down very hard on those who err, especially when we think ourselves above making the same error. But oftentimes there are other ways in which we might err, in which the offender with whom we are impatient, perhaps, would not err. So, are we really better than the other person? Of course, this should not be construed as suggesting that measures should not be taken to prevent or restrain the person who might be intent on continuing to offend. What is being suggested is that such measures should be focused on protecting the victim (or would-be victim) while seeking to help the offender (or would-be offender) to do better, rather than seek to hurt and destroy.

The greatest love is a willingness to die for another. Jesus said this in the following words:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

True Christians are those who follow Christ. Jesus Christ said that we should love as He loved.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12.

Two Manifestations of Love

A look at the expanded description of love as given in the Ten Commandments shows that love manifests itself in at least two ways combined:

1. Doing good for another.
2. Being harmless toward another.

The first of the two manifestations is well known and is often used to counterfeit true love. However, the lack of the second manifestation exposes the counterfeit. Even those who are regarded as being exceedingly wicked do good deeds at times. But the harm that they do to others gives clear evidence that the good deeds were not the outworking of a loving heart. The Bible has warned repeatedly against judging righteousness wholly on the basis of good deeds. The following words of Jesus highlight the situation:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22, 23.

One might even give all their possessions to feed the poor and still not be charitable, as we are told:

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1. Corinthians 13:3.

Sometimes people would be better off without some of the supposed good work that is done on their behalf by misguided people if only they were spared the hurt and evil that is meted out to them as a part of the package.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus