5 Reasons We Should Forgive Judas

Have you noticed how quickly people get triggered these days? From cancel culture to road rage to family tension, it seems offense loads the air we breathe. And since it’s hard to forgive, let’s take every opportunity to practice the skill. 

Forgiving someone who is near and dear to you may be harder compared to forgiving a stranger. Those close to you also possess the great potential to hurt you on a regular basis. Contrast this to strangers who may only offend you once in your lifetime.

If you make a point to forgive a relative stranger—Judas—it will help you forgive your loved ones in general.

“Judas, the one who betrayed him, realized that Jesus was doomed. Overcome with remorse, he gave back the thirty silver coins to the high priests, saying, I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man’” (Matthew 27:3-4, MSG).

Doesn’t Judas' confession make it sound as though he never forgave himself? This conclusion makes sense, especially given what happened next—his suicide (Matthew 27:5).

Would his fate have been different had he forgiven himself? I wonder. As is often the case, however, forgiving yourself can prove more challenging than forgiving others. 

I think of women who might regret their abortions. Or mourners who feel culpable in the death of their loved one. If your offspring is an addict or not doing well for any reason, you might blame yourself.

Let’s learn from Judas’ tragic example and forgive ourselves. Regardless of how horrible your situation is, ask the Lord for forgiveness and also the grace to forgive yourself.

Please don’t ever take your own life like Judas did. No matter what.

There are others in the Bible whose offenses also await your forgiveness. 

Pilate knew Jesus was blameless (Luke 23:4, 14-15, 22) and that it was envy that fueled the Jews to crucify Him (Matthew 24:18). None of these mattered. He still pronounced the death sentence to please the crowd (Luke 23:24). 

Apostle Peter denied any association with Jesus three solid times (John 18:17, Matthew 26:69, Mark 14:66, Luke 22:56, Luke 22:58).

Prior to his conversion, apostle Paul killed and jailed Christians (Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-2).

As for contemporary candidates for your forgiveness, all you need to do is glance around, and you’ll find plenty of names. Think of career politicians whose face can boil your blood in a jiffy. What about elected officials who enact policies that oppose your values? How about sex traffickers and drug smugglers and ministers who molested innocent girls and other folks you frown at, whatever the reason may be?

In the last days, the love of many will grow cold because lawlessness will abound (Matthew 24:12). One way to fight back is by increasing our forgiveness quotient. 

The time to forgive is now, no matter the offense. Even if the offender keeps offending. Hasn’t Jesus taught us to forgive 70 times 7 (Matthew 18:21-35)—basically implying, keep on forgiving?

So, let’s practice forgiveness. Let’s forgive everyone who has hurt, offended, or taken advantage of us. 

Starting with Judas.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Design Pics

Audrey Davidheiser, PhD is a California licensed psychologist, certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, and IFSI-approved clinical consultant. After founding and directing a counseling center for the Los Angeles Dream Center, she now devotes her practice to survivors of trauma—including spiritual abuse. If you need her advice, visit her on www.aimforbreakthrough.com and Instagram @DrAudreyD.