The Power of Forgiveness: Staying Yes When Revenge Feels Easier

Do you think Jesus was glad when Judas fell?

No. I cannot imagine my Savior gloating over Judas’ death or saying, “he brought it on himself.” That is not the heart of God. And yet, Jesus faced the same temptations we do—the pull to lash out, to justify revenge, to demand justice in the moment. He was tempted, but He did not sin.

I think about this as I listen to the many voices trying to navigate recent events—the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the words spoken at his memorial, even the voice of the assassin himself. Add to this the wars raging in the Middle East, and it feels like the air is thick with vengeance, fear, and blame. Everyone has something to say. But are our words aligned with the Spirit of Christ, or with the spirit of this world?

When I was growing up, bullied by peers and even by family, I longed for revenge. I wanted apologies, payback, vindication. And I felt justified. But the Lord has shown me: arrogance and pride are no different whether they come from a bully or from a victim.

God’s Word is clear: no one—nations or individuals—gets away with sin. His justice is perfect, even when it feels slow. Pride in any form is a stench in His nostrils.

Jesus had every right, by human standards, to retaliate against Judas, the religious leaders, or the soldiers who crucified Him. But He didn’t. He yielded to His Father. He trusted the One who would never fail Him.

And that is the challenge to us right now. Will we add our voices to the clamor of anger, accusation, and revenge? Or will we be the people who yield? Who will forgive? Who will trust God’s justice? Who will humble themselves before Him?

The same Spirit who equipped Jesus to surrender equips us today. The question is: will we say yes?