The Cross as the Center of Forgiveness

Married couples often have a place that holds special meaning for them or a song that always makes them smile because it reminds them of their first meeting, their wedding, or the birth of their children. In our spiritual lives, we experience Jesus and the Holy Spirit in very personal ways, perhaps in a church or in nature. Maybe you also have a special place you go to when you want to spend time with Jesus. But if we had to name the one place that holds supreme significance for every Christian, it would always be the cross. The cross is the place where Jesus endured unspeakable suffering because that pain was more bearable than the thought of being separated from us for even one second longer.

When we focus on the cross, whether it is in a church above the altar or in the form of a necklace, the cross reminds us every time of how much Jesus loves us. He loves us even when we walk through life with hardened hearts, and He does not leave our side even when we physically or emotionally hurt others. But He also knows that we must live out the forgiveness He gave us through His death on the cross. He died on our behalf for our worries, and He forgave us. Yet, we must also forgive. Not because He commanded us to do so, though that would be reason enough, but because our forgiveness is the foundation for God’s blessing. When we forgive our family, the door opens for a fresh start; when we forgive our boss, it may even open the door to a new job.

We can still hold on to our bitterness, resentment, and hurt. But every time we look at the cross, where Jesus gave everything for us, Jesus waits with open arms, hoping that we will finally learn to be just a little more like Him. Then, He can finally heal the wound that has been tormenting us for so long, and we can come into His presence and be filled with His supernatural peace and unconditional love.

Next Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you in prayer how Jesus’ sacrifice impacts your own relationship with God and with others. If you are struggling to forgive someone, ask God for the strength to give the same forgiveness that has been shown to you.