Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
When Jesus was being crucified, HE was suffering the most horrific, painful death imaginable, and HE looked those responsible right in the eyes and prayed that God would forgive them.
This is inconceivable to me and quite unnerving all at the same time! How could HE even want to forgive them? But HE did and most importantly HE taught us through HIS actions, that we as Christians are to do the same. HE embodied forgiveness and therefore, why forgiveness is so important for us.
Jesus didn’t see us human beings as being good or bad, he saw us as being HIS sheep. Some lost, some found, but all of us of the upmost importance to HIM. HE spent an enormous amount of HIS time and ministry trying to find and reach the lost ones and HE’S expecting and trusting us to do that as well. He wants us out there looking for HIS lost ones, working to help them find HIM. Watch Messages - Beachside Community Church (beachsidecc.org)
Jesus’ ministry was centered around us loving God and loving our neighbors. It was built around caring about and forgiving others. Treating them the way we would like to be treated and forgiving them in that same way.
Forgiveness is certainly a process, and it’s a process that won’t necessarily come easily. It’s also a gift, a favor that may not have been earned, however it’s the grace that God gave each of us as HIS children. It’s a gift we not only can give to others, but just as significant, an action we can take for our own well-being.
Showing mercy doesn’t make you weak, as matter fact just the opposite. It makes you strong and mature in faith. Because God loves a forgiving heart, HE will give us the power we need to move through the forgiveness process victoriously if we ask. And as we pray for HIS help with forgiving others, our heart will begin to soften, to change and we will begin to feel like a weight has been lifted. But, better than that, it might just make the way for someone to see and find Jesus through us.
We may choose not to continue a relationship with the ones we forgive, but we can still give them the gift of grace, we can be compassionate, and show them the same love that Jesus has shown us. We can simply bless them and release them. We can also recognize that trust can take a very long time to rebuild or may never be rebuilt, and that’s okay. Forgiveness is a true reflection of our faith and how mature that faith is. Forgiveness, Scripture Devotional Cards – Truepost Inc.
Jesus has taught us through HIS example to get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger. Stop the brawling and slander. Be kind and compassionate to one another and to forgive each other the way HE has forgiven us.
Jesus is the embodiment of why forgiveness is so important, and HIS love was a love like no other. As Easter approaches, let’s do this… let’s go find HIS sheep! A Love Like No Other, Scripture Devotional Cards – Truepost Inc.