Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 06
Matthew 5:38-42
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Yesterday, we began to reflect on those words Jesus spoke, recorded in Luke 23:34. They were actually the first words He spoke while on the cross. Our response would have likely been one of anger and hate, but Jesus’ was of love and grace. This prayer is a model of how we should treat others—even those who may have hurt us and inflicted incredible pain.
We all have someone we need to forgive. We all have someone we have an offense with. While we all need to receive God’s forgiveness, we also need to bestow that same forgiveness to others. These words changed everything when it comes to forgiveness. Matthew 5:38 explains the customary response to being offended by another was basically, “You owe me; justice is mine.” But the response modeled by Jesus’ words on the cross is, “God forgave me, so I’ll forgive you.” Jesus took forgiveness to a new level. Forgiveness is not just something we receive; it’s also something we give. Forgiveness is the central focus of the cross. These were not just words Jesus spoke. He was setting the stage to tell His disciples forgiveness is where it starts.
(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/5)
We have discussed all that the refugees have endured at the hands of many others around them--government, enemies, and leaders. Yet, we must also pray for these "enemies" of the innocent as well. If Jesus, on the cross, was able to ask God for their forgiveness, let us also pray on behalf of these people as well. Pray that they would ask for forgiveness to the one who can grant them grace. And pray that we would not take our own justices and judgements in life, but leave that up to God. Let us forgive because we have been forgiven. Pray that we would also forgive those that have been difficult to forgive in our own lives as well.
Posts
