Forgiveness…a word often used in the Christian faith. We sometimes speak this word in haste, but it is one of the most powerful things that is in this world. Think about this – the Enemy (Satan) has no part of true forgiveness. He, in fact, wants us to keep remembering what they did, he did, we did as we go through life. Jesus died on the Cross so that we don’t have to…
Look at Luke 23:32-43:
Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Not only did Christ forgive a known criminal that deserved the Cross – reserved for the worst of the worst – and took him to Paradise to live forever (gives me chills!), but also forgave those who were hurting Him as they were hurting Him. Is your mind blown? Because mine is!
Even on the Cross, Jesus was our living example of how we need to live our lives. He was showing us that, even as people are hurting us, we need to forgive them. We need to show compassion on them. We need to let it go! WE NEED TO LOVE THEM. That is hard, huh? Yep. It is. But with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Have you been hurt? Has someone you once held close betrayed you? Are you in so much pain that you don’t know what to do with yourself? Jesus has a solution: let it go, give it to Him, and forgive those that hurt you. Don’t seek revenge, don’t try to put them in their place, don’t allow bitterness to creep in. God will take care of the consequences on their part. Allow your heart to love them as they are…because one day you will hope that someone gives you that kind of blessing.
Pray this with me: Lord, I am hurting from the actions and words of people around me. I ask you to help me forgive them. I know that this will not be easy for me, but I know that it wasn’t easy for Christ to forgive on the Cross yet He did. I know that, in your strength, I will be able to move on free from any grudges, bitterness, or pain. I ask you to help me forgive and love them just as they are and see them how you see them. Lord, bless them. I thank you for your gift of forgiveness that I do not deserve. Your grace is a precious gift. I love you, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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Boldly Radiant 