Forgiveness is one of the hardest things for a human to do. It’s not easy to be wronged and then turn the other cheek. In fact, exacting revenge and getting retribution is commonly a spellbinding theme in movies and television shows. We all know what it’s like to be hurt or deceived and it is in our nature to want to get even.
Jesus went a step further. When He was betrayed, wrongfully accused, mocked, beaten, scourged and crucified He not only turned the other cheek but just after He had been placed upright on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV).
Jesus states this as a command, something that needs to be done at once. There was no hesitation in Jesus wanting to forgive those who had just wronged Him. Rather, there is an urgency about His words to have their sins of ignorance forgiven. Jesus wasn’t revengeful but He was deliberate in His intention to forgive, no matter what.
He had come willingly as a sacrifice (Psa. 40:7). He yearned to die so that you would live. He knew the price He would have to pay and He wanted your sins to be nailed to that cross so that you would have unrestricted access to His Father and be able to live for eternity with Him.
He knew His purpose on earth and He wasn’t going to let the pain and anguish inflicted on Him by brutal men cause Him to lose sight of the vision before Him. He wanted to forgive the world of their sins, so forgiving those brutalising Him was all a part of that far-reaching concept for all of mankind.
If Jesus paid a high price for you to be set free from the guilt and shame of sin, why won’t you accept Him today as your Saviour? It’s as simple as A, B, C.
A. Admit your sin.
B. Believe that Jesus is God’s son who died for you and rose again on the third day from the grave.
C. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life and commit to following Him.
Accepting that Jesus died for you and covered all of your sins will give you the reason to forgive others who have wronged you and lead you into a life of peace.