Holy Week - “A Forgiving Heart”
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
Take a moment to read Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:13-14 one more time, and as you do, consider the incredible heart of Jesus expressed in these passages. Then before you move on, ask God to reveal more of the heart of Jesus to you!
Insight
The heart of Jesus beats with a rhythm of mercy that never ceases to amaze. It is one that boldly and without hesitation extended forgiveness even in the face of rejection, hate, and scorn. As Jesus hung on the cross, bloodied and broken, battered and bruised, He cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness filled His heart - not just for those who had put Him there, but for all who would come to Him seeking forgiveness.
Grasping the depth of Jesus' forgiveness is a challenge beyond measure; understanding its length is a futile venture. Forgiveness was not just something He practiced or preached; it is something that pours out of who He is. His entire life displayed God's mercy and compassion toward humanity.
Jesus' life was marked by countless acts of mercy and grace towards those who had sinned against Him. He welcomed the outcast and the broken, the prideful and hypocritical, the powerful and the weak, offering them a new life free from the burden of their past mistakes.
He provided a way out of our sins and struggles, inviting us into a life of redemption under His love's rule. His message was not one of condemnation but of restoration and redemption. Jesus came to earth to reconcile humanity back to God through His sacrifice on the cross – an act of love that demonstrated the depth of God's forgiveness for all of us.
In a world that is full of pain and brokenness, the forgiveness of Jesus shines like a beacon of hope. It reminds us that no matter how far we may stray, there is always a way back to the Father. We are never too far gone, never too lost, to be saved by His grace. Neither are the people who hurt us or that we struggle to love.
As His followers, He calls us to display the same heart of forgiveness, extending grace and mercy to those around us by recognizing the humanity in each person and offering them a path to redemption. In doing so, we can reflect Christ's heart to the world around us. When we choose forgiveness, we let go of our own bitterness, resentment, and anger in order to embrace grace and compassion for another. It's not always easy, but it's worth it.
So, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, so that forgiveness, love, grace, and mercy would have the final say.
Reflection
Where does your heart need to remember there is no limit to His love and forgiveness?
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the forgiveness and grace You have extended to me – it has no limits and never runs out. Help me to reflect Your heart by forgiving others as You have forgiven me. Empower me to loosen my grip on bitterness, resentment, and anger. May I, instead, embrace a posture of compassion and grace. Amen.