Why the Cross is Both the Source of Our Forgiveness and Our Call to Forgive Others
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to give. When we’ve been wronged, our natural instinct is to hold on to anger, protect ourselves, or seek revenge. Yet forgiveness lies at the very center of the gospel. At the cross, God himself took the sin of the world upon himself and offers forgiveness to all who trust in Christ and turn from their sin.
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As millions tuned in to the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service from around the world last Sunday, Erika Kirk’s incredible decision to publicly and swiftly offer forgiveness to the killer of her husband was one of the most courageous, powerful examples in modern history of the power of the gospel to heal. What she did will go down in history as one of the most impactful moments in history – “I forgive him.” The impact of those words is echoing in time and in eternity. So much so that other people are coming forward to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt them most. Comedian Tim Allen explained how he was able to offer forgiveness to the man who killed his father after hearing Erika. Allen’s father was killed by a drunk driver when he was just 11 years old, leaving him fatherless for the last 60 years.
Allen wrote, “When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ‘That man… that young man… I forgive him.’ That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: “ I forgive the man who killed my father.” Peace be with you all.”
When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: “That man… that young man… I forgive him.” That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: “ I forgive the man who…
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) September 25, 2025“Father, Forgive Them”
As Jesus hung on the cross, beaten, mocked, and unjustly condemned, His words still shock us today: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). In His darkest hour, He extended mercy to the very ones who nailed Him to the cross even while they refused to acknowledge their sin.
Forgiven People Can Forgive Others
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” We can love because Christ first loved us, and we can forgive others because we have been forgiven. Forgiveness is costly. To forgive others means to absorb the loss and pay the debt yourself. The cross reminds us that forgiveness is costly, but it sets you and others free.
Forgiveness Restores Our Relationship with God
The purpose of the cross was not simply to cancel our sin, but to restore our relationship with God. Romans 5:10 says: “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!”
Forgive as You’ve Been Forgiven
Because of the cross, we are not only forgiven—we are also called to forgive. Colossians 3:13 instructs us: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Our ability to forgive doesn’t come from our own strength but from the example and power of Jesus Christ. When we look to the cross, we see that forgiveness is possible because Christ set the example and gives us his power to do it.
Conclusion
The cross stands as the ultimate model of forgiveness. It shows us that forgiveness is possible even in the face of deep pain, that it flows out of sacrifice, and that its purpose is always reconciliation. As we remember what Jesus did for us, we are empowered to walk in that same forgiveness toward others. Erika Kirk has inspired a generation by her act of forgiveness; now it’s time we do likewise.
