Over 2,000 years ago the fullest extent of human sin was met with fullest expression of God’s LOVE. The human history of rebellion against God reached its height when we crucified Jesus Christ. As people passed by, they mocked, spit, and hurled insults at God’s perfect Son.
Read Passage: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34-36
Reflection Questions:
1. Throughout Scripture, our ability to forgive others is connected to receiving forgiveness from God. From Matthew 5:43-45 and 18:21-35, how does Jesus help us understand the connection of forgiveness and our new life in Christ?
2. With this understanding (and maybe your own experience) how does unforgiveness come between us and our Father?
3. If you are struggling to forgive another, take some time to sit at the Cross of Jesus to soak in the forgiveness He freely gave to you. Ask Him to keep growing in your understanding of His grace to keep you loving your enemies and praying for those who insult you (Matthew 5:44).
Prayer:
Father, remind me again of Jesus’ voice to me, born your enemy, born ignorant of Who your Son really is, “Father forgive her, she knows not what she does.” Help me see more clearly how Your kindness in Jesus Christ led me to repentance. Give me Your heart for those who do not yet know Who it is You gave to the world, Your One and only Son that we “might not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Help me grow in grace to wisely love my enemies and intentionally pray for those who insult me because of you.