Read: Luke 23:32–34 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 17–18; Luke 11:1–28
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34
When a friend betrayed me, I knew I would need to forgive her, but
I wasn’t sure that I could. Her words pierced deeply inside me, and I
felt stunned with pain and anger. Although we talked about it and I told
her I forgave her, for a long time whenever I’d see her I felt tinges
of hurt, so I knew I still clung to some resentment. One day, however,
God answered my prayers and gave me the ability to let go completely. I
was finally free.
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our
Savior extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus
loved those who had nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His
Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger, but
showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.
This is a fitting time to consider before
the Lord any people we might need to forgive as we follow Jesus’s
example in extending His love to those who hurt us. When we ask God
through His Spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid—even if
we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are
freed from the prison of unforgiveness.
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your grace and power as You dwell in me, help me to forgive, that Your love will set me free.
Read more about forgiveness at discoveryseries.org/hp071.
Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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