Forgiveness

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34 NIV)

In my devotional reading, today, I was struck by this simple, but powerful quote from Christ as He hung on the cross.  We often look at this example and think of how Christ not only forgave those who physically crucified Him that day, but also those for whom He died, as well; namely, all of us.

But the truth is, he didn't have to make that statement right there as He was dying in order for us all to be forgiven.  His death, burial, and resurrection were all that were needed to complete that work.  And, if He didn't have to actually SPEAK forgiveness there on the cross, then there are other correlations that can be made.

For example, considering His words a "model," much like the "Lord's Prayer" for us to see that forgiveness should be offered even at the most difficult of times.  That's where it is always most difficult, yes?  You know, when the offending person is unrepentant and even unloving or hateful toward us.  We often see this as the "exception to the rule" in terms of forgiveness.  That we have a right to treat them a different way, because they did something wrong.

The more painful thought is that God tells us that He will forgive us in the same way that we forgive others.  So, is that the kind of forgiveness you want from God?  The kind where He only forgives you if you are on your best behavior?