From Victim to Victor

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” Luke 6:27


When someone does something hurtful to us, we become the victim of their meanness or thoughtlessness. We might believe there is nothing we can do about our victim status, but that’s not true. Jesus demonstrated how His forgiveness, flowing through our lives, transforms us from victims to victors.



Speaking from the cross while paying the price for the world’s forgiveness, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus refused to let the hatred of His enemies change His heart or dictate His actions. Instead, He willingly suffered indignity and death at their hands.  Through His suffering, though, onlookers noticed how Jesus’ forgiveness for His enemies transformed Him from a victim into a victor that day. Even a Roman centurion remarked after watching how Jesus died, “Truly this was the Son of God!”  Matthew 27:54

Marchers in the Civil Rights movement, led by Rev. Martin Luther King, illustrated this same transforming power of forgiveness. As they endured hostile sheriff’s clubs and blasts from water cannons without becoming violent themselves, their peaceful persistence contrasted sharply with the behavior of their opponents. Victims no longer, through them Christ’s forgiveness eventually accomplished a great victory… and the heart of a nation was transformed.


Precious Jesus, transform my heart with Your forgiveness, today. In Your Name I pray, Amen.