Forgiving, pt 4
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear God, teach me from your word today. Open my ears and the eyes of my heart to hear and learn from you. Amen
READ:
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” (Luke 23:33-34)
REFLECT:
Recently a Pathway pastor shared the story of Brandt Jean, an 18-year-old boy, who forgave in an open courtroom, Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger who was sentenced for the killing of Brandt’s brother. Brandt said that his main desire was not for her (officer Guyger) to go to jail but “to give your life to Christ”.
Jesus went willingly through a sham trial, an illegal brutal beating, unwarranted humiliation, and insults to end up on Golgotha hill to be crucified, though innocent, as a common criminal between two common criminals. How did the Son of God use the incredible, unlimited power at his disposal? He forgave those responsible. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Was Jesus asking forgiveness for those merely carrying out orders and not involved in the false charges and fabricated lies? Or was his request for forgiveness a forgiveness for all, even those responsible but with no concept of the eternal impact of their actions?
God’s love extends to all of us “while we were still sinners” Romans 5:8 (NIV). When we forgive, even those who are not sorry, we extend that love of God to others. Forgiveness does not depend on the forgiven but on the forgiver. It is God’s love through us that can forgive a purposeful act or an unremorseful offender.
APPLY:
Forgiveness is in our hands to give or to withhold. Are you withholding God’s love to others by harboring bitterness and selfish envy in your heart? Spend a moment in prayer thanking God for his unconditional forgiveness extended to you. Ask him to forgive and love through you today. To err is human, to forgive divine.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, with my whole heart have I sought you. O let me not wander from your commandments. Amen