FORGIVENESS

August 2019

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 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: 33-34

In this Scripture, Jesus was praying mainly for the soldiers who nailed him to the cross. The work was part of the duty they were assigned. They didn’t know the Christian story like we do today. We who worship Jesus today are aware that he died his painful death so that we would be forgiven for the wrongs we’ve done. When we hurt you, Jesus, and those you love, will you forgive us like you forgave the soldiers?

Lord Jesus, I need to talk to you.

I want to know you Lord. I want to participate in your sufferings. When you died, the world’s sin and hatred did not go away. Persecution that was meant for you long ago, now brings suffering to your followers instead. You said, “. . . you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (Mark 13:13) And that’s so true, Lord. It happens to many of us, especially those close to you—those who follow you.

When we are sinned against, we feel our pain in fellowship with you (Phil 3:10).  Each time, another nail driven into our heart. Grief from those we love, from those who hate, from those who don’t care how they hurt us. We suffer with you Lord. In our own way we feel what you went through as you hung on the cross.

How cold the heart that hurts us without sense of guilt! How far from love! How far from your presence, Lord!

We must repent. Show that we regret what we have done. Turn away from wickedness towards love—towards you Lord.

When we hurt others without remorse, we can’t be feeling the love you meant us to have. When we don’t care about others, we’re not caring about you either, Lord. Your sacrifice appears to have no significance.

Does anyone have concern for what you went through on our behalf? Does anyone understand the price you paid to take our burden of sin away?

Has it sunk in, Lord Jesus, that the pain you bore was pain that we ourselves should have carried in our bodies and souls?

Forgive us, Lord. Forgive the wrongs we’ve done. Forgive us for how we’ve hurt others and how we hurt you. Take away our hatred. Help us turn back to you—back to your love. Help us leave our sins behind.

We bow before you. With prayers of gratitude for what you did for us. With prayers of repentance and pleas for forgiveness for how we hurt you.

Thank you Jesus.
marja