Forgiveness

1 Corinthians 13:5b “[Love] is not provoked, [and] does not take into account a wrong suffered.”

Illustration courtesy of www.concordianews.com.

The dewey grass soaked the cloth of Jesus’ robe as He knelt in prayer that terrible night. Surrounded by the pungent smell of olives in Gethsemane and serenaded by the snores of His followers, the Savior sought comfort and strength from His heavenly Father. The minutes ticked by as great drops of sweat, the color of blood, dripped from His face and moistened the ground even further. Understanding fully what He was about to suffer at the hands of hateful men, the Son of God firmly set His mind on fulfilling His Father’s will.

The time had come. The angry mob arrived in the garden and arrested the One Who had come to bring salvation to the world. As the infamous night continued Jesus, endured betrayal, rude comments, mocking, spitting, whipping, and the torturous death on a Roman cross. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not retaliate. The Son of God was led like a lamb to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.

The powerful One, Who could have called a thousand angels to His rescue or blown His oppressors away with a single spoken word, did not allow the taunts and jeers of godless, wicked men to provoke Him. He suffered the unjust wrongs because He was able to look ahead to the joy His pain would provide – the joy of the human race’s having a way to be restored in its relationship with God.

How amazing is the deep love of Jesus! After all He suffered from the hands of men, and even while still hanging on a rugged cross, He was able to call to His Heavenly Father saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” The death He was dying was to be the avenue of forgiveness of sins for His murderers as well as for the whole world.

If Jesus Christ has forgiven such grievous sins against Himself, then why do we have such a hard time forgiving those who hurt us? Why is it so easy to let words of retaliation slip from our mouth when we receive an unkind comment or jibe? Why do we hold so tightly to past abuses or injustices, keeping ourselves bound up in anger, hurt, and bitterness?

Love understands that people are going to make mistakes and say unkind things. It doesn’t keep a record book of every offense experienced, but graciously forgives and forgets. It puts away retaliation and doesn’t respond in kind when assaulted with sharp words. Love doesn’t seek revenge, but allows God to convict and discipline where necessary. When we forgive others we are set free to love the way that Christ loved.

Love,

Mama