People filled with charity have expanded their circle of concern. They’re so free of the self-ward gaze that they instinctively look other-ward. That is, they look to the good of another person with ease, even delight.
Hanging on the instrument of his death, Jesus asked the Father to forgive his executioners. Could he have meant it? I believe he did. He willed their good.
Even after the torture, after they had exacted so much physical pain, Jesus willed their good. At the crucifixion, we see the highest expression of charity—God forgiving the unforgivable.
Why does he do it? Because that’s the nature of the Trinity: to give what is good regardless of whether it’s deserved or reciprocated.
When the Trinity’s love saturates our souls, we’ll do the same thing: give to the greedy, befriend the unfriendly, pardon the unpardonable—not with clenched teeth, but with great gladness. Like obedience, charity is never forced.
Room to Reflect
When have I experienced someone looking “other-ward” toward me with ease and delight? What did that stir in me?
How does the nature of the Trinity — freely giving what is good — invite me to rethink my own posture toward difficult people?
Where do I sense God inviting me to give, befriend, or pardon in ways that feel impossible without His help?