Day 11- Forgiveness

Day 11 - Forgiveness

The act of forgiveness is very challenging for some because of the hurt and pain they carry from day to day.  Words were spoken, maybe even by a loved one, someone they trusted, that cut them to the core.  Many people slip into eternity, never forgiving someone or being forgiven by someone.   Our Savior showed us the greatest example of forgiveness on the very day He was put to death.   He was wrongfully accused ... teased and scorned ... battered and broken  without mercy ... his head penetrated by multiple thorns from a homemade crown ... hammered with nails to a splintered cross ... and hung half naked, suspended between Heaven and Earth, in front of His mother, brothers, and other onlookers.   He could have said a lot of different things at that time. He could have taken that last moment to lash out and give them all, as we would say, a piece of His mind.  But, His response should speak to us all.  He said, “Father, FORGIVE them, for they do not know what they are doing!”  Wow!   If He could speak those words after all He had been through, even to His executioners, is it possible you and I can forgive those we’ve been hurt and offended by?  Don’t let unforgiveness be a stumbling block in your life.  As difficult as it may be, make amends with whoever you must.  Life is too short!  Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”   There’s power, strength, and healing in the act of FORGIVENESS!