Sometimes we find it hard to forgive someone ourselves, and we don't even think about asking God to forgive them. Many times when someone hurts us our first response is to somehow get revenge on them. We try to get back at the people who hurt us. Jesus teaches us to forgive those who hurt us, but that is probably one of the hardest things for us to do. I think at times people think that when they forgive a person, they forgive the action, which isn't the case.
The greatest example of forgiveness is in Jesus. While hanging on the cross He did not ask God to punish those who beat Him, mocked Him and hung Him on a cross. Although He could have; but He didn't. What He said was "Forgive them: they know not what they do" Jesus asked God to forgive those who intentionally hurt Him! He knew they didn't know what they were truly doing. Many times people who hurt us don't fully know how much they hurt us, or don't understand they full effect their actions could have. We not only need to forgive them ourselves but ask God to forgive them.
When Jesus asked for forgiveness to those who harmed Him, he showed the utmost example of God's love for people. He asked for God to forgive them; He didn't want to get back at them and we shouldn't want that either. We shouldn't be trying to get back at someone for hurting us, nor should we hold grudges. Do you think Jesus held a grudge towards Judas for betraying Him, or the men who beat Him, and mocked Him? No of course not. Jesus would never hold a grudge yet we do all the time, but why? Does holding a grudge harm the other person; no way. It only hurts you.
Forgive the person, not the action. Don't try to hold a grudge. If Jesus was able to ask God to forgive those who harmed Him we can surely forgive those who harm us.
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