DAY TWELVE
Read Luke 23:26-43
Jesus speaks the most profound words ever spoken when He hangs on the cross at Calvary: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (verse 34)
They didn’t realize the full scope of their actions. They didn’t recognize Jesus as the One true Messiah. 1 Corinthians 2:8 says that if they would have understood, “they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.”
But even in their spiritual blindness, they still did not “deserve” forgiveness and grace. And yet we see Jesus offering just that…. radical forgiveness and life-altering grace and mercy. EVEN in the midst of enormous suffering, mocking, and painful ridicule and torture, we see Jesus exhibit an unbelievable expression of boundless compassion.
Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to extend grace to - not because they deserve it, but because you have been called to imitate Jesus by manner of ridiculous love and endless compassion?
Suggestion: Write a letter to someone you need to forgive. Maybe they don't even know they did anything wrong, but you just need them to know - and you need to be free! Express your desire to end the cycle of revenge and bitterness. Take responsibility for the ways you’ve allowed your feelings to affect your relationship and then lay it at the cross of Christ. Ask our good Father to help you let it go as you seek Him more fully in the process.
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