LENT WEEK 4
Forgiveness in Action: Discovering its Power and Grace for You and Others
Exploring the transformative power of compassion and mercy in your relationships
Spirit, show us how to be more forgiving, merciful, and gracious in our relationships
In Luke 23:34, there is a powerful moment as Jesus is being crucified where you read Jesus saying:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Here is a man nailed to a cross while people strain their necks to look up at Jesus situated in between two other men. Instead of Jesus being angry, despite the immense physical pain and emotional agony, Jesus turns to compassion and forgiveness for those responsible for the suffering he is enduring.
I don’t know about you, but my humanity would be all pissed off. But, there is a lot to learn from that one statement that Jesus repeats over and over while enduring his slow, painful death.
That one verse serves as a reminder that though forgiveness is not easy, it is necessary. It does take strength and courage to forgive those who have hurt you, especially when they show no remorse and have not asked for forgiveness.
