 ~ Luke 23:34 ~ Have you ever been hurt by someone? It isn't easy to forgive them, is it? That is exactly what Jesus wants you to do. He gave us the perfect example of forgiveness at His crucifixion. Jesus was not only hurt; He was betrayed. As the Savior of the world hung on a cross, suffering and dying for their sins, people were gambling for his clothing, kings were sneering at Him, soliders were mocking Him. What did Jesus do? He prayed. He implored His Father, the creator of mankind, to forgive these people, because they had no idea what they were doing. As He was dying a sinners death, for them, they continued in their sin, with no regard for the One who came to take the punishment for their sins. Isn't that just like us? We know what Jesus has done for us and yet, we continue in our sin. Those who have betrayed us continue to hurt us and have no regard for our feelings. We stay hurt and even angry at the idea that someone would dare to be so cruel. Truly, it is a minor thing, for us, to suffer in this way. The suffering of our Savior was far greater than any pain or heartache we will ever endure. We cannot fathom what it was like for Jesus, who is one hundred percent God, to be separated from the Father. When Jesus went to the cross, God completely turned His back on Him. The visual that creates, should give us pause and drive us to our knees in thanksgiving for the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf and the wonderful gift of salvation He has given us. We are so undeserving of anything. Yet, God in his infinite wisdom, chose to bless us with His greatest gift of grace--salvation from our sins through His only Son, Jesus Christ. An unforgiving heart only hurts you and can become a root of bitterness. Don't let that happen. When someone wrongs you or hurts you, follow Christ's example, remember His words on the cross. " Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." "Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org) |