We don't have time for…unforgiveness

"...'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'..." (Luke 23:34, NKJV)

How powerful are Jesus' words in this familiar Bible passage! But what prompted Him to say them?

We know that Jesus was hung on a cross. Is that why He prayed this prayer? The verse then goes on to say, "...And they [the soldiers] divided His garments and cast lots." (Luke 23:34, NKJV)

That must have been a very degrading and shameful moment for Jesus. He was stripped of everything, even His clothes. He could easily have shouted, "Don't you know who I am?! You'll see...God will punish you severely!"

But Jesus had no time at all for these thoughts. He was far too busy forgiving His persecutors…the very moment they failed! He didn't even wait until they repented or until He had died. Jesus forgave them the very moment they sinned, *|FNAME|*! Have you ever noticed this as you've read the account of His crucifixion?

Jesus' love is incredible. Even while they tortured and mocked Him, He was interceding for them! And even while OUR sin stands between us and Jesus, He is reaching out to us, too, with love and forgiveness.

Jesus forgives because He loves us so deeply!

I don't know what your story is. I don't know what others have done to you, but I'd like you to consider something today: is it really worth wasting your time to keep dwelling on it and holding on to unforgiveness?

Jesus was our perfect example, forgiving before any emotions of bitterness or even hatred could arise. And He can help YOU, too—even retroactively—to forgive. He wants to turn your bitterness into joy. He longs to empower you to overcome hatred so you can powerfully love instead!

Do you want that, too?

We definitely don't have time to hold on to unforgiveness! Only by forgiving will we be able to live freely once again.

May Jesus restore both freedom and time to you as you choose to forgive, even this very day!

You are a miracle!

Déborah