The Ultimate Example of Forgiveness

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." ~ Luke 23:34

It's always good to go back and read what Jesus went through for us. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the huge sacrifice He made for us. We need to remember that whatever problems we are facing don't even come close to comparing to what He went through.

Maybe you're dealing with loneliness and betrayal. Maybe someone you really cared about has hurt you deeply. Maybe those closest to you have walked out on you and you just can't seem to get past the pain. May I remind you that Jesus understands.

We all experience hurt at times during our lives. We may have done something to cause ourselves to be in this situation or maybe it is no fault of ours. Still, the pain is real and our human nature wants to seek revenge. We want to hurt those who have hurt us. We want to cause pain in their lives just like they have caused us pain. This is the way our flesh and our emotions would choose, but that's not the direction we need to take.

Look back over Jesus' life and look how often He was hurt and betrayed. Those closest to Him turned their back on Him when He needed someone the most. He was mocked and ridiculed by those who didn't even know Him. He was a perfect man who had never sinned yet He was treated worse than the most horrible criminal. He did absolutely nothing to deserve the treatment He received, yet He remained full of love and compassion even on the most horrific day of His life!

With a body that was full of pain that we will never be able to comprehend and as He faced death on the Cross, He still allowed no anger or unforgiveness to fill His heart. Instead, He prayed for those who had hurt Him. He wasn't concerned about His rights as the Son of God. He wasn't concerned about getting even. The only thing on His mind was LOVE! He was so full of love that in His last moments, He prayed for God to forgive all the people who had mistreated Him.

What a powerful testimony! In these last moments on earth, He left us with the ultimate example of what true forgiveness looks like. He knew it would be hard for us so He gave us His Spirit to help us. No matter what has happened in our lives or what situation we may be currently facing, we have no excuse to harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. We have to forgive. We have to let go of the pain and the bitterness and let God fill our hearts with love and compassion. We have to release it or else we will become captive to this thing that has caused us pain and we will spend our days filled with hatred and misery. Jesus came so that we could have life and life more abundantly. We will never experience that abundant life if we allow unforgiveness to remain in our hearts.

If there is someone that you've been unable to forgive, pray and ask the Lord to help you. Refuse to go another day like this. Release them into His hands and open up your heart to receive His love and peace. He is waiting to help you and will give you the life that you are longing to have!