The Practice of Forgiveness
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Can you imagine yourself being one of those people casting lots for Christ clothes while he is hanging on the cross? I can see myself there and then I hear those words. What does he mean? What do I need forgiveness for?
But then I look at this man hanging helplessly from the cross. I see his face with such sadness and pain on it. A man who was so innocent killed for what seems like no reason. And here I am casting lots for his clothes. What more can I do to humiliate this man?
Now I see that sadness on his face. I see the love that he was giving to me. And now I see his forgiveness for me. I see all that I need to be forgiven of and I see how, even while he was dying my place, was asking for God to forgive me.
Being a Christian means that we are Christ like, that we follow Christ. Many would say that Jesus was perfect and so it was easy for him to forgive. But I think of it like this. He was fully human so forgiveness must not have come easy for him and yet he forgave. I look at the life of forgiveness that Christ lived...that's how I want to live. Forgiving those even when they don't ask for it.
Great post! Forgiveness is often hard. I must remember Him at the cross and all for which He forgave me. Thanks!
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