Tuesday; December 12

I can only imagine the words that typically accompanied the scene of a crucifixion. I figure there were all kinds of nasty interchanges between the accused and the executioner. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were pleading and protesting going on. The whole process must have been ripe with anger, fear and sorrow. Maybe that is why Jesus’ remarks surrounding His crucifixion were so incredible. The soldiers who nailed Him to the cross may have figured they had heard it all, “But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” (Luke 23:34). It’s not that the soldier didn’t know how to do his job, he just didn’t understand the implications of what was happening. He was killing the Son of God! Yet, the most compelling part of the story is that Jesus also did His job – He forgave the soldier without even being asked!

As I think about this moment in history it challenges me to think about those who have hurt me. Sure, they may have consciously known what they were doing, but did they understand the impact it would have on me? It was their choice to do what they did, but that shouldn’t necessarily dictate my response. I can hold them accountable for hurting me or I can offer forgiveness even if they don’t ask for it. Jesus set a precedent for forgiveness – it doesn’t have to be based on asking for it, it is particularly effective when we do it without even being asked.

Let’s use forgiveness as a gift to be given rather than a weapon used to threaten someone into apologizing. When we are willing to forgive, we will all be able to move on more quickly.

Think About It!

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