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." Luke 23:33-34 NIV
How do you respond when someone hurts you? If you are like me, forgiveness is a process. It takes me a while to get over myself and decide the relationship is more important that the injustice I suffered. Jesus forgave those who crucified him as they were doing it. They did not ask for his forgiveness and they did not want it; but, Jesus gave it to them anyway.
Forgiveness is more about the forgiver than the one being forgiven. It is the nature of Jesus to forgive. How is it in your nature to respond when you or someone you love is hurt beyond repair?
It takes me awhile to get over the hurt and find it in my heart to forgive. But then I remember that it is God who will judge the actions of the forgiven. And He will judge my response as well.
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