luke 23:34 - and Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
here, while Jesus is dying on the cross, he asks his father to forgive his killers for the ignorance of their actions.
haven't we always been taught that we have to ask for forgiveness from God before we can receive it? why then does Jesus ask his father to forgive his killers, despite the fact that they crucified him with no remorse?
through Christ, i've come to find that the most shocking and earth-shattering thing you can do to another person is what Jesus did. forgive them. whether they deserve it or not.
forgiveness is central to the life of a follower of Christ. it leads us to love neighbor and enemy alike, since we know that we are nowhere near being worthy of the forgiveness we continually receive.
imagine, if you will, that someone close to you has ripped you off, lied to you, told lies about you or turned their back on you. would it not be far more Christ-like to offer forgiveness to them (prior to them asking) than to seek revenge in-kind?
we are called to a revenge far more powerful than eye for an eye. forgiveness is our greatest act of revenge.
-dave-
3 opinion(s):
Wow, Dave. That's really powerful - and EXACTLY what I needed to hear regarding a particular relationship I have. Thank you for being so bold as to live this way and to challenge each of us to do the same.
Interesting timing for me as well. I'm dealing with the family of a 15-year old boy who recently hung himself due to the influence of a recent "friendship" where he was drawn into drugs. The cousins want to kill this friend. I understand this emotional response. In time I want to lead them to a forgiving and healing response, which is more powerful and eternal. Thanks.
Positive followup: The family came to me Sunday and said that they felt God telling them to open their arms to this kid and offer him forgiveness and healing.
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