Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.
Forgiveness is something I have wrestled with many times before. It feels like it ought to be easy, but when it comes right down to it, for me, often it is not. However, verses like this one offer great perspective. Jesus was unjustly crucified on the cross. His persecutors cast lots for His clothes AS He was dying. And His final words, which could have been an eternal curse on their souls for their egregious transgressions, was to pray for His Father to forgive them because they did not know, could not understand, what they were truly doing. Help me, Jesus.
Matt 18:33 “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
It pains me to say that I have people in my life against whom I am rather hard hearted. I feel I have been unjustly wronged. The person doesn’t even recognize there has been an offense, much less asked for forgiveness. Those who know the situation recognize all I tried to do in the situation and tell me that I am justified in my anger and bitterness. But my sweet Savior lays Matt 18:33 on my heart. He whispers, “I forgave You because of my great love for you. You did not deserve it. You did not earn it. It is a gift. Now go and do likewise.” Jesus, help me.
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God….
Lord, Thank You for this day and for reminding me of the issues I still need to take care of in my own life. Forgiveness feels so hard at times, especially when the person I need to forgive doesn’t even acknowledge the there has been a wrong. Help me to fully deal with this situation, Lord. Help me to fully forgive so that I can move past this bitterness and hardness of heart. Show me how, Lord. Guide me along Your path to mercy and grace. Draw me closer to You. Amen.
Col 1:13 For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son….
Have a blessed day.
Good Word!