"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 (NIV)
Part 9 of 11
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgive Others Like God Forgave Us
Scripture
Jesus forgave all of our sins when He died on the cross. Even as He was hanging there, He was forgiving. And because He loved us so much, Jesus willingly gave Himself, so we could experience forgiveness and have a personal relationship with God if we believe (Romans 5:8 and John 3:16).
Forgiving others can be difficult, especially when we’ve been seriously hurt by those who are close to us. But with God’s help, we can choose to obey His Word and forgive rather than follow our feelings. Jesus was tormented—mocked, beaten, and betrayed—yet through it all He was still able to forgive because of His love for us.
Jesus' own disciple Judas betrayed Him, and His disciple and close friend Peter denied Him. He also endured other forms of rejection and pain and was no stranger to suffering. Yet in Luke 6:27-28 (ESV), He said, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
When someone hurts us, we can follow Jesus' example of forgiveness as His Spirit enables us to love and forgive the way He does. If we trust God and choose to forgive, He will take care of the rest. Even when it’s hard, everything God asks us to do is ultimately for our good.
When Peter asked Him how often he needed to forgive those who had wronged him, thinking seven times would be enough, Jesus answered, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22 ESV). This means it’s something we should do as many times as people need it.
The truth is, when we forgive, we’re actually doing ourselves a favor. When we decide to forgive and pray for God to bless our enemies and love them like Jesus loves them, God is faithful and He will change our heart as we keep doing what’s right according to His Word.
Today, and every day, we acknowledge the unfathomable sacrifice Jesus made for us over 2,000 years ago. Because of His great love for us, He forgave, He suffered, and He ultimately laid down His life so we can truly live and experience eternal life with Him.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your mercy and forgiveness that has forever transformed our lives—we are so grateful! Help me, in turn, to forgive those who have hurt me and to release any bitterness and resentment that I might be holding on to. In Jesus' name, amen.
How to Know Jesus
It’s time to experience Christ's love and embrace a brand-new beginning in Him.
Come home today.
