March 21, 2008
"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
I often hear people say, "That's unforgivable." Do you ever wonder if these people realize what they are saying? When you refuse to forgive, you choose to carry an unnecessary burden, which eventually will destroy the soul. It is a struggle that suffocates the soul. It causes bitterness with one self and harms others. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, "If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry. Get over it quickly. For when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil." James 2:13 says, "For there will be no mercy to those who show no mercy."
On the other hand, the act of forgiving allows the forgiver to release themselves to Christ and eliminate the burden. The spirit of God fills us with peace and embraces us with love. I know in my heart Jesus is saying, "Thank you for coming back to me."
Jesus spoke the gentle words of forgiveness when he taught us the Lord's Prayer. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."
I kindly ask that we humble ourselves before Christ. While our sins nailed him to the cross, let us allow His gentle words from that cross to fill our heart and soul. Jesus said, "Father, forgive these people for they don't know what they are doing." Even in his final hour, he forgave us sinners. These eloquent words teach us true divine forgiveness.
Dear Father in heaven, the beauty of forgiveness is found on the cross. When we forgive, it only indicates that we belong to Jesus our Savior. Amen.
Nancy A. Pilarczyk