When forgiving is your only option!
They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
~ Mathew 27:28-31
When we are faced with a deep hurt that shakes us at our core we wonder if forgiveness is even possible. Forgiveness is not the same as condoning the action, excusing it, or saying it’s all right. Knowing that Jesus died for our sins and that the bible clearly says: that we must forgive 70X7 makes us think how? Is even harder when the offender doesn't even acknowledge that they made a mistake.
Unfortunately, we all know that as believers we will be judged even harder. They all expect you to do things different and to be the one to humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. Maybe at this moment you're wondering how and why? “Let God forgive them; because I can not forgive”. “I forgive but don't forget”. “Eye for eye”. The bible says: Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written. “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord.
We need to remember that we’ve hurt someone, or someone has hurt us. Either way forgiveness is crucial. We can not pray knowing that we have bitterness or unforgiveness in our heart. When we are laced with unforgiveness, we cannot even realize how tight our minds remain clamped around the necks of those who have wronged us. As a little girl, I recall seeing so many people who were always angry, cursing and very violent people. They need Jesus as much as I do. I don't understand why people can be so angry and bitter, and at times turn their anger into violence. People who are and have been angry for years. I refuse to be a slave. I am free.
For years, I have had to learn the importance of forgiveness and freedom. I know that until Jesus returns I will have to forgive over and over again. This is also part of God's purpose and plan. I am not perfect. I have made so many mistakes that I am not proud of. What I do know is that Jesus had to forgive even when one of his disciples betrayed him. When I think about Jesus' crucifixion, and how he died for my sins, it makes me kneel down and just say “forgive me Lord”. Can you remember Jesus' pain and agony? He had already been beaten, spit on, whipped on until his flesh was shredded, a crown of thorns pushed into his skull, carried his cross and then was nailed.
In the middle of all this torture, as he was dying. He asks for God's help by praying. “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:24).
I don't want to be left behind for the lock of forgiveness, knowing that the time is near. Do You?
Let's pray, together.
Heavenly father, please forgive me. Jesus I need you. Please heal me. Let me be free. I want to forgive and I want to forget and I know Jesus that this can be possible only with you. Lord, I know that you love the people who have offended and hurt us. Lord please forgive them. Jesus helped us to continue on the pathway toward true freedom in forgiveness. I know Jesus is coming soon and I want to be transformed while I am here. Today I am free. Thank you Jesus for forgiving me and those who hurt me. I love you Jesus. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.
