Devotion: Forgiveness

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they cast lots to divide his clothing.  And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”  The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine,  and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke 23:32-38

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  I have repeated these twelve words to myself so many times throughout my life.  Every time I feel betrayed, I remember how Jesus forgave those who persecuted him, mocked him, and nailed him to the cross.  If Jesus can ask God to forgive those who so unjustly condemned him to death, then I must freely forgive those who betray me.

Pastor Michelle spoke to the children, Sunday, about the weight we bear when we struggle to let go of the burden of holding a grudge.  She used the analogy of a balloon filled with cement being so heavy to continue to carry around with us each day.   Our grappling with forgiving someone for their transgressions weighs down our soul.  Releasing the “balloon of cement”, or offering forgiveness, lightens our load, brightens our life, and releases the pain of the wrongdoing.

“Those without sin, cast the first stone” is another message from Jesus that I carry around with me.  We all commit sins. I commit sins, you commit sins, the elders of the church commit sins.  Keeping our own vulnerable selves in mind, we are more ready to forgive others, knowing that it is likely someone must be deciding to forgive us.  Through forgiving others of their offenses, I retain a potential friend/family member.  Many relationships that I cherish today would have dissolved had I not sought God’s help in forgiving them.  I am very thankful for that. Just as I pray for strength to forgive others, I also pray for God to forgive me of my many sins.

Dear God, Thank you for sending your son to die for our sins.  Through this ultimate act of grace, we know our sins are forgiven forever.  Please grant us the ability to forgive others, just as you so lovingly forgive our sins.  Amen.

This devotion is written by Deb Coyle.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.

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